EFFECTS OF THE TETRAZOLIUM SALT MTT ON CELL GROWTH AND THE CELL CYCLE (MEETING ABSTRACT)

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

EFFECTS OF THE TETRAZOLIUM SALT MTT ON CELL GROWTH AND THE CELL CYCLE (MEETING ABSTRACT)

Proc Annu Meet Am Assoc Cancer Res; 32:A2286 1991. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/91675085
Nassiri MR; Spurr JJ; Drach JC; Univ. of Michigan, Sch. of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078

Abstract: The MTT assay is frequently used in anti-HIV and antineoplastic drug screening for the evaluation of cell survival and proliferation. The inherent cytotoxicity of MTT itself has either escaped evaluation or has not been examined systematically. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of MTT on cell growth and cell cycle distribution using DNA flow cytometry. KB cells were treated with MTT at final concentrations up to 0.2 mg/ml alone or in combination with methotrexate (10 and 32 uM). When used alone, as little as 0.025 mg/ml increased population doubling time from 26 hr (control) to 96 hr. At 0.2 mg/ml or higher, total cell number declined. MTT, 0.1 mg/ml, reduced the number of cells in S and G2/M phases after 8 hr treatment. However, no significant effect was seen at 2 and 4 hr. The effect of 0.2 mg/ml MTT was more immediate and more pronounced, resulting in accumulation of cells in G0/G1 and S phases. MTT in combination with methotrexate produced a more significant perturbation in the KB cell cycle. Although the MTT assay measures cell viability and proliferation via mitochondrial dehydrogenases, it showed definite effects on cellular DNA content and cell proliferation. These observations question the credibility of such an assay, indicating it may be measuring combined effects of MTT and drug and not drug alone.

Keywords: Cell Cycle/DRUG EFFECTS Cell Division/*DRUG EFFECTS Cell Survival/*DRUG EFFECTS Drug Synergism Human KB Cells Methotrexate/PHARMACOLOGY Tetrazolium Salts/DIAGNOSTIC USE/*PHARMACOLOGY Thiazoles/DIAGNOSTIC USE/*PHARMACOLOGY ABSTRACT
910930
M9190730

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1991. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .