[Effect of mitomycin C on SPEV cell cultures]

Mitomycin C (in doses of 0.5-1.5 mkg/ml during 24-72 hours) significantly changes the ultrastructure and morphology of porcine embryo kidney cells (condensation of chromatin and the mitochondrial matrix, expansion of small channels in the endoplasmatic reticulum, total hypertrophy of the nuclei and cells). In the given case, mytomycin C sharply inhibits DNA synthesis and mitotic activity, considerably more weakly reduces RNA and protein synthesis, raises the activity of lactate and alpha-glycerophosphate-dehydrogenases. The disbalance of syntheses leads to protein accumulation in the cells, and general enlargement of nuclei and cells. As the action of the antibiotics increases, the ultrastructural changes progress and lead to the destruction of a considerable part of cells in the culture.