title: Effects of spirogermanium on the in vitro assembly and disassembly of brain microtubules.
abstract: The inhibition of microtubule proteins (MTP) assembly by Spirogermanium (SP, 1.25-100 microM) has been studied. Assembly at 37 degrees C was monitored by turbidity measurements and electron microscopy. For SP in 1:1 protein-drug ratio the inhibition of assembly was 50%. Addition of 12.5 microM SP to microtubules induced spontaneous disassembly. SP had less effect on the assembly of pure tubulin (tubulin 6S). Complete inhibition of assembly induced by glycerol and Mg2+ was found with 250 microM and the ratio of SP to tubulin to obtain 50% inhibition was higher than with MTP.
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008868:Microtubule Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013141:Spiro Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014404:Tubulin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008868:Microtubule Proteins; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D013141:Spiro Compounds; D014404:Tubulin; C026818:spirogermanium