Abstract
Summary
The effect of reserpine phosphate on dividing onion root-tip cells showed that this alkaloid was toxic at 4 mg%. In lower concentration an increase in mitotic index was noted. A maximum ratio of dividing to resting cells was observed at 0.5 mg% after 24 hours exposure to drug. Although an intensification in metaphase was present, the compound was not capable of arresting the metaphase. Thus, reserpine is not a mitotic inhibitor of all cells. If it is possible to draw conclusions from these experiments upon the effect of reserpine on mouse tumors, one would think that regression of mouse tumor under high alkaloid medication is not due to an intrinsic anti-tumor action of the drug.
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