[3H-colchicine accumulation in a mixed culture of colcemide-resistant and -sensitive cells]

Colchicine accumulation was studied in cell monolayer formed by colchicine-sensitive mouse normal fibroblasts and colchicine-resistant cells L-53. Accumulation of 3H-colchicine in the mixed culture of these cells after a 2 hours incubation approached 63% of the total radioactivity in pure cultures of fibroblasts and L-53 cells. Colchicine binding in pure culture of normal fibroblasts somewhat decreased when cell density increased. The results obtained are compatible with the present models of intercellular communication and provide evidence of metabolic cooperation between cells sensitive and resistant to mitostatics.