Melphalan prevents the formation of double-stranded DNA replication intermediates in human malignant melanoma cells.
When human melanoma cells are lysed in a neutral buffer they release from the chromosomes double-stranded DNA replication intermediates. We have now examined the effect of a bifunctional alkylator (melphalan) on the formation of these intermediates. After treatment for 25 min there is little or no release of double-stranded DNA intermediates from the chromosomes. When the cells are washed free of the drug and cultivated further there is a resumed formation of the DNA intermediates. This is paralleled by the finding that the cells, when the drug is removed, after a time-lag, regain the capacity to proliferate.
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D008558:Melphalan / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
D014316:Tritium; D008558:Melphalan; D013936:Thymidine