Cytotoxicity induced by papaverine hydrochloride in fungal cell systems

Cunninghamella echinulata was used to assess the cytotoxicity of papaverine (papaver), at concentrations ranging from 1 x 10(-5) to 1 x 10(-3) M for 1-6 days. Leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and changes in alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity and lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratios were used as indices of cytotoxicity. Leakage of LDH occurred at the 6th day with 1 x 10(-3) M; AP activity and L/P ratios decreased after 6 days treatment with 1 x 10(-4) M, after 1 day with 1 x 10(-3) M, and after 3 days with 1 x 10(-4) M, respectively. This study provides support for the use of fungal cell systems to evaluate the toxicity of drugs and chemicals.