Effect of some antiblastic drugs on HeLa cells.

The antiblastic effects of the antimetabolites MTS, Ara-C, Bleomycin of the alkylating Thiotepa, of Peptichemio (alkylating and antimetabolic) and of Peptichemio-Bleomycin combination, were compared after 24 and 48 hr of treatment on HeLa cells. Ara-C, which inhibits typical mitoses, Peptichemio and MTX, which inhibit atypical mitoses, Thiotepa, which induces the highest percentage of pyknotic nuclei, showed a considerable effect on the nucleus. Peptichemio, and the combination Peptichemio-Bleomycin showed a significant effect on the cytoplasm (induction of vacuoles). After MTX and Peptichemio treatments, and after Peptichemio-Bleomycin combination (1 mug/ml), eosinophilic inclusions were evident both after 24 and 48 hr.