The influence of certain colchicine derivatives on the growth characteristics of L cells

Colchicine and its derivatives (demecolcine, 2-demethyldemecolcine and acetylated 2-demethyldemecolcine) blocked the mitotic activity of L cells and inhibited proliferation and DNA synthesis. This effect depended on the length of the exposure and the concentration of the substances tested (from 0.05 micrograms/ml up to 2.6 micrograms/ml). The greatest values of plating efficiency, cell proliferation, mitotic index and inhibition of DNA synthesis, respectively, were found after the application of colchiciline (0.2 micrograms/ml). These effects were reversible, since L cells underwent regeneration of the mitotic spindle and renewal of their function after the removal of colchiciline. Reversible effects were much less with other colchicine derivatives tested. The different effects of colchicine and its derivatives were due to their chemical structure, which determines the interactions with respective L cell receptors and thus modifies the mechanism of action on the mitotic apparatus of L cells.