The adherence of polymorphonuclear leucocytes to an albumin-coated glass surface. Effects of therapeutic concentrations of the Catharantus derivatives vincristine, vinblastine and vindesine.

The Catharantus derivatives are microtubule antagonists employed in immunosuppression and chemotherapy of neoplasms. The role of cytoplasmic microtubules in polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) adherence was studied by means of therapeutic concentrations of the Catharantus derivatives vincristine, vinblastine and vindesine. PMN adherence was measured as retention on an albumin-coated glass surface. PMN adherence was reduced by 4-54% by the Catharantus derivatives, as compared with control values. The suppression of adherence was statistically significant. Since the Catharantus derivatives are microtubule antagonists, it is reasonable to assume that PMN adherence is a partially microtubule-dependent process. It is suggested that reduction of PMN adherence could account for at least part of the immunosuppressive properties of the Catharantus derivatives.