Intensification of rheological destruction of rat fibrosarcoma KMT 17 cells by elimination of divalent cations

Abstract

In an effort to find a method to intensify the rheological destruction of tumor cells, rat fibrosarcoma KMT 17 cells in ascitic form were exposed to rheological stresses in test solutions; modified Eagle medium with EDTA, and phosphate buffer solution without divalent cations or with verapamil. KMT 17 cells were exposed to a uniform shear stress produced by the rotation of a rotating cone plate viscometer for 1 to 2 hours and to the strong deformation by the passage through Nuclepores of 10, 8 and 5 micrometer. KMT 17 cells suspended in the test solutions were more effectively destroyed by the stresses than those suspended in normal solutions containing divalent cations without any other calcium-suppressing agents. These results suggest that the elimination of divalent cations and/or the block of calcium ion channels of cell membranes intensify the rheological destruction of tumor cells migrating in the circulatory system.