Preferential nucleolar localization of Cis-DDP in human fibroblasts

The use of complex platinum salts (Cis-DDP) in antitumoral therapy is well known. However the mode of action of this salt remains unknown. The present study was performed with human transformed cells in culture (WI-98-VAD), grown in the presence of Cis-DDP. The intracellular localization of platinum was studied by associating the technique of microanalysis by electronic probe (analysis by wavelength dispersion: W. D. S.) and that of fine tissue sections at low temperature: ultracryotomy. The platinum was found to be concentrated mainly in the nucleolar region.