Action of Elatericin A on Human Leukemic and Normal Lymphocytes2

Abstract
Elatericin A produced morphological changes in vitro in human lymphocytes from chronic lymphatic leukemia and lymphosarcoma patients. A fivefold concentration of this substance was required to produce similar changes in human lymphocytes from normal controls. Urethan, nitrogen mustard, Leukeran, Endoxan, Bayer E-39, and aminopterin failed to produce visible morphological changes in lymphocytes in vitro. Absorption of elatericin A by the lymphocytes and its active metabolization and detoxification within the lymphocytes were demonstrated. Low temperature and the presence of iodoacetate inhibited absorption. Incubation of lymphocytes with elatericin A provided a rapid test for chronic lymphatic leukemia.