Effect of Reserpine Phosphate on Dividing Onion Root-tip Cells

Abstract

Reserpine phosphate is not a mitotic inhibitor of all cells. Although toxic at 4 mg % to Allium cepa root-tip cells, lower concentrations increase mitotic index. A maximum ratio of dividing to resting cells was observed at 0.5 mg % after 24 hours exposure to the alkaloid, suggesting that regression of mouse tumor under high alkaloid medication is not due to an intrinsic anti-tumor action of the drug.