Chlorpromazine inhibits mitosis of mammalian cells.
Chlorpromazine (CPZ) at minimally effective concentrations accumulates mammalian cells in mitosis without lethal effects on the cells. Star-metaphase morphology similar to effects seen with classical antimitotic compounds probably results from the preferential action of CPZ on a specific class of microtubules--the pole-to-pole microtubules of the mitotic spindle. At CPZ concentrations of 8 X 10(-6) M, flow cytometry indicates no effect of CPZ on the progress of cells through phases of the cell cycle other than mitosis (M). These results suggest a possible mechanism for toxic side effects of CPZ in man such as granulocytopenia and light sensitization.
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002746:Chlorpromazine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008870:Microtubules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects
D002746:Chlorpromazine