Effects of vinblastine on cell membrane fluidity and the growth of SA-1 tumor in mice

Cancer Lett. 1994 Apr 29;79(1):53-60. doi: 10.1016/0304-3835(94)90062-0.

Abstract

Cell membranes can be targets of some anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether vinblastine (VLB) can also affect the tumor cell membrane. On the in vivo SA-1 tumor model, alteration of cell membrane fluidity (measured by electron paramagnetic resonance, EPR), cytotoxicity and morphological changes of the SA-1 tumor cells after VLB treatment were studied. The cytotoxic effect of VLB was biphasic, with an initial fast increase in cytotoxicity followed by a plateau. The surviving cells had increased membrane fluidity and were morphologically changed. The dose-response curve of VLB on membrane fluidity was also biphasic with an initial fast increase in membrane fluidity followed by a plateau. Since dose-response curves of VLB cytotoxicity and its effect on membrane fluidity were similar, there was a high correlation between both effects. The effect of VLB on membrane fluidity was the most pronounced at 24 h and 48 h after treatment. The results of this study indicate that VLB affects cell membrane by increasing the membrane fluidity of SA-1 tumor cells in vivo in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Therefore, this finding may be beneficially implemented also in priming cells for other cytotoxic drugs and for appropriate timing of drug sequence in combined schedules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / pathology
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Fibrosarcoma / pathology*
  • Fibrosarcoma / ultrastructure
  • Membrane Fluidity / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred A
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Sarcoma, Experimental / pathology*
  • Sarcoma, Experimental / ultrastructure
  • Time Factors
  • Vinblastine / toxicity*

Substances

  • Vinblastine