Mitogenic properties of Ukrain (NSC-6315170) on human peripheral blood monocytes: clinical implications

Using a cell-proliferation assay, the authors examined and compared the mitogenic effects of Ukrain and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as their synergic effects. It was found that even a short period of pretreatment of the cell with Ukrain had a potent synergic effect on PHA mitogenesis resulting in significantly higher cell stimulation indices than those of PHA alone. Moreover, it was found that a short period of PHA treatment of the cells is almost imperative for Ukrain to exert its mitogenic effects. The mitogenic effect of Ukrain on human PBMCs is consistent with a previous clinical report which found that circulating lymphocytes were significantly increased in cancer patients treated with Ukrain. Thus the in vitro assay used in these studies may serve as a prognostic assay for potential patient responsiveness to Ukrain treatment, as well as a clinical parameter during Ukrain therapy.