[In vitro sensitivity test of anti-neoplastic agents and their enhancement by biscoclaurine alkaloid]

We tried an in vitro sensitivity test for the purpose of examining the effect of anti-neoplastic agents and their enhancement by Biscolaurine Alkaloid (Cepharanthin). Methods, HeLa cells were synchronized by excess of thymidine and hydroxyurea, and resuspended in Eagle's MEM with 10% FCS. The cells were mixed with Mitomycin C or Bleomycin and added to the wells of a microtiter plate. When required, Cepharanthin (the effect of this drug is considered to change the plasma membrane liquidity) was added to the medium, and then cultured for 24 hours in a CO2 incubator. After culture, each well received 3H-thymidine, and was incubated for 8 hours. The cells were harvested for the assay of 3H-thymidine.

MMC or BLM suppressed the uptake of 3H-thymidine in relation to its concentration. MMC or BLM with various concentrations of Cepharanthin showed strong suppression compared with the same concentrations of MMC or BLM alone. From the above results, this experimental method is regarded as an useful model for selecting sensitive anti-neoplastic agents. In addition, Cepharanthin showed enhancing effects on anti-neoplastic agents.