Phospholipid and ether linked phospholipid content alter with cellular resistance to vinblastine

The phospholipid and ether linked phospholipid content of leukaemic lymphocytes alters when the cells become resistant to low levels of the anti-cancer drug, vinblastine. Sphingomyelin and cardiolipin increase, and phosphatidyl ethanolamine and serine decrease in resistant cells. In addition, increases in 1-alkyl-2-acyl phosphatidyl choline and 1-alkenyl-2-acyl-phosphatidyl ethanolamine are concomitant with decreased 1,2-diacyl phosphatidyl choline and ethanolamine. Changes to the ultrastructure of the inner half of the plasma membrane bilayer, as a consequence of drug resistance, are illustrated by freeze-fracture electron microscopy.