An in vitro study of the cytogenetic and cytotoxic effects of imatinib mesylate, STI571 on murine erythroleukemia GM-86 cells.

Imatinib mesylate, STI571, is a novel anticancer drug used to treat Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of imatinib mesylate in human cancers; however, its effects in murine cancer cell lines are not well documented. This study investigated the cytogenetic and cytotoxic effects of imatinib mesylate in vitro on virus-induced mouse erythroleukemia GM-86 cells. Cytogenetic studies revealed a noticeable increase in chromosomal abnormalities and multinucleation, as well as micro and macronuclei formation in treated cells. An increase in abnormalities such as condensed nuclei and nuclear and cytoplasmic degradations were also detected in cells treated with imatinib mesylate. It is suggested that the reduction in cell proliferation, mitotic index, and increase in cell damaging effects observed in imatinib mesylate-treated GM-86 cells were a result of the induced chromosomal and nuclear abnormalities.