Reversible inhibition of cellular metabolism by ribavirin.
The broad spectrum antiviral drug ribavirin (Virazole, 1-beta-d-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide) inhibits cellular macromolecular synthesis as well as cell division in eucaryotic cells. The concentration and time dependence have been studied. One-hour treatment with 25 muM ribavirin or 18 h with 2 muM inhibited the deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis to 50%. Higher concentrations of ribavirin were required to obtain a similar inhibition of ribonucleic acid and protein synthesis. This effect on cell metabolism and cell division can be reversed by removing the drug from the cells.
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D006367:HeLa Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D012313:RNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012263:Ribonucleosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D012263:Ribonucleosides; D012254:Ribavirin; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA