In vivo distribution and activity of aphidicolin on dividing and quiescent cells.

In view of a possible use of aphidicolin, an inhibitor of DNA polymerases (including viral DNA polymerases), to control excessive cell proliferation we have investigated: the effect of the drug on the growth of several human neoplastic cells; the activity of synthetic analogs aimed at relating the structural feature of aphidicolin to cytotoxicity; the in vivo fate and distribution of aphidicolin in different fluids, organs and tissues of mice following parenteral and/or peroral administration.