Influence of various drugs on the cytoskeleton and the proliferative growth of lens epithelial cells.

1. The disruption of microfilaments by cytochalasin is followed by an inhibition of gel contraction and a strong decline of DNA-synthesizing cells. 2. Colcemid is without effect on the structure and function of microfilaments but produces a disorganization of intermediate filaments. This is also accompanied by a strong inhibition of DNA synthesis. 3. The application of calmodulin antagonists (TFP, CMZ, W7) at high doses results in disintegration of microfilaments as well as inhibition of gel contraction and DNA synthesis. 4. The results presented demonstrate the involvement of the cytoskeleton in growth regulation, but further experiments are needed to elucidate the interrelationship of the various elements.