THE EFFECT OF CANTHARIDIN ON EPITHELIAL CELLS IN TISSUE CULTURE

Journal/Book: THE JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY Vol. 52 No. 3 Copyright (r) 1969 by The Williams & Wilkins Co. Printed in U.S.A.. 1969;

Abstract: SUMMARY H.Ep#2 cells grown in monolayer tissue culture responded rapidly to exposure to low concentrations of cantharidin with a characteristic morphologic and physiologic reaction. These changes include alteration in cell shape size nuclear and cytoplasmic appearance as well as changes in ability to adhere to a glass surface. Under certain conditions the effect of cantharidin has been shown to be reversible indicating that no enzyme system was permanently inactivated. This observation is supported by data indicating apparent spontaneous reversal of some of these morphologic effects without renewal of media. Evidence is presented to indicate that this reversal was not due to a mutagenic action of cantharidin. Morphologie changes induced by cantharidin occurred in cells which were not in desmosomal contact and which were not adherent to each other. The changes appear to occur as a result of membrane changes secondary to changes in oxidative metabolism. Evidence is presented that the observed physiologic effect of cantharidin is not due to release of lysosomal hydrolases; factors of time and quantity negate such a possibility. Support is given to the concept that adherence to glass may well be an energy dependent process and does not involve a specific cement substance. These morphologic alterations are not unique for cantharidin or for H.Ep#2 cell. Both normal and malignant cells as well as cells derived from all germ layers have shown similar morphologic changes an exposure to a variety of pharmacologic agents. . . . .

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