Hyperthermia inhibition of tumor cells growth in the presence of ruthenium red.

Ruthenium red (RR) is taken up by DS sarcoma cells as a linear function of its concentration. Higher temperatures produce a higher uptake. This increased uptake is coincident with an augmentation of Trypan blue inclusion. A diminution of calcium transport in the presence of RR is observed at hyperthermia, and its uptake is not linear but presents a plateau for all temperatures and concentrations. RR-cell membrane interaction seems to produce two different effects: an early blocking of calcium transport, and a later change of the physicochemical characteristics of the plasma membrane. On the colony forming ability of CA1 cell RR shows clearly an intrinsic toxic effect, and when present during hyperthermia a low but significant enhancement of tumor cells mortality.