title: Perturbations of cellular functions integral to neural tube formation by the putative teratogen sodium valproate.
abstract: The effect of therapeutic concentrations of sodium valproate (VPA) on the cell acquisition rate and adhesive properties of glioma (C6) and neuroblastoma (Neuro-2a) cell lines was evaluated. VPA impaired the mitotic rate in neuroblastoma and glioma cells with an IC(50) value of approximately 1.0 mm, and with no apparent cytotoxicity. Using a centrifugal shear adhesion assay the glioma cells showed a 2.5-fold increase in cell-substratum adhesivity at VPA concentrations of 1 mm. This effect could not be demonstrated in the neuroblastoma cell line as these cells were inherently more adhesive than the glioma cells. However, the neuroblastoma cells assumed a differentiated phenotype when cultured in the presence of 1 mm-VPA and extended numerous fibres with branching points. These findings are related to the ability of VPA to induce neural tube defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University College, Belfield, Dublin 4, EireUSA.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Breen
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Regan