ARREST OF MITOSIS BY HALOTHANE

Abstract
Halothane, vaporized in air, has been shown to produce an arrest in metaphase of dividing cells at the root tip of the broad bean (Vicia faba). The appearance is identical to that produced by colchicine and would therefore appear to be explained by dispersal of the mitotic spindle. This accords with known effects of halothane on certain other labile microtubular systems. The ED50 of this effect was within the range 0.5–0.9 per cent halothane depending on the duration of exposure. Cell division was almost totally arrested by 8 hours exposure to 2 per cent halothane.

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