EFFECT OF VINCRISTINE ON SISTER CHROMATID EXCHANGES OF NORMAL HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

In vitro analysis of mitosis from 3-day lymphocyte cultures from 2 normal males and 2 normal females treated with bromodeoxyuridine and stained with acridine orange after addition of vincristine during different times demonstrated that vincristine inhibits the progression of the 2nd division. When the 2nd division progressed, the number of sister chromatide exchanges was significantly decreased. Vincristine could act by inhibiting the copying of DNA. A dosage effect is demonstrated when vincristine is added to the cultures during the 1st 24 h. [This study shows a mechanism of action for leukemia treatment.].