Abstract
The suitable experimental conditions for a MTT assay in order to assess the cytotoxic effect of various drugs on a human malignant melanoma cell line (YU GEN 8) was detetmined. The following conditions were found to be suitable: (1) an initial cell density of YU GEN 8; 30×104 cells/ml, (2) a quantity of MTT solution (5mg/ml); 20μl. Using this system, the effect of three kinds of drugs on the cell growth was evaluated. Bu-3818E (BMY-28565, feldamycin) and Bu-3819E (BMY-28566, melanostatin), both of which were potent melanin synthesis inhibitors for mouse B16 melanoma cells, did not suppress the growth of the YU GEN 8 cells. However, Bu-3862T (BMY-28647, eponemycin), which had been previously reported to suppress mouse B16 melanoma cells, also suppressed the growth of human YU GEN 8 cells. In conclusion, the growth of the human melanoma cells appeared to be independent of the melanin synthesis of the cells.
