An electron microscopic study of the effects of vinblastine sulphate on the ultrastructure of the kidney, trachea, liver, peripheral nerve and small intestine of the rat.

The effects of vinblastine in high doses on the kidney, liver, trachea, peripheral nerve and small intestine of rats have been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Dramatic structural changes were seen in glomerular visceral epithelial cells, hepatocytes and small intestinal epithelial cells which appear to be due to the effect of vinblastine on microtubules and possibly also on other proteins and cell membranes. Ciliary microtubules appeared resistant to vinblastine effects.