Selective inhibition of in vitro cell growth by the anti-tumour drug Ukrain

Abstract

The inhibitory effect of Ukrain on malignant cells and on normal cells, in vitro, has been compared. To obtain a 50% inhibition of cell growth, a tenfold concentration had to be used with normal endothelial cells compared to a human osteosarcoma cell line. Hybrids of the two cell types showed nearly the same sensitivity as normal cells. A laser scanning microscope showed a high uptake of Ukrain in malignant cells, while the content in normal cells under the same experimental conditions was substantially lower.