Misonidazole reduces blood flow in two experimental murine tumours

The effects of single doses of misonidazole (MISO) on blood flow and vascular volume in the SaFA and CaNT tumours and normal tissues of the mouse have been studied. MISO was administered in the dose range 250-1,000 mg kg-1 and blood flow measured at different times after MISO by the 86RbCl extraction technique. Vascular volume was assessed by the distribution of 51Cr-labelled red blood cells. MISO at doses of 500 mg kg-1 or greater decreased flow in both tumours by up to 60% within 2 h. Flow remained reduced for up to 24 h. Similar but less profound changes were seen in the skin, although flow had recovered by 24 h. Only slight changes were seen in muscle, and none in kidney. The apparent loss of flow in tumours seen after large single doses of MISO may have important implications for its use as a chemosensitizer.