MORPHOLOGIC EFFECT OF HYDANTOIN DRUGS ON MITOSIS AND MICROTUBULES OF CULTURED HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 204  (1) , 195-202
Abstract
A new class of mitotic inhibitors is described. Diphenylhydantoin and 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin (HPPH), its metabolite, increase the mitotic index of cultured human lymphocytes without affecting the second resting phase (G2). Mitotic inhibition by these compounds is time dependent and not a property of hydantoins in general. HPPH was more potent than diphenylhydantoin. EM of HPPH-treated human lymphocytes showed changes in 45% of the cells in metaphase: a decrease in microtubules or the appearance of 100 .ANG. microfilaments. These changes resemble those induced by colchicine.