Characterization of the inhibitory effects of the phytotoxic agent propachlor (alpha-chloro-N-isopropyl-acetanilide), on L1210 cell proliferation

Cancer Lett. 1981 Aug;13(3):241-8. doi: 10.1016/0304-3835(81)90024-0.

Abstract

We recently reported that a variety of phytotoxic compounds are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of mammalian tumor cells. We now report that an additional herbicide, propachlor (alpha-chloro-N-isopropyl-acetanilide), has a strong inhibitory effect on the proliferation of L1210 mouse leukemia cells. When tested in vitro against L1210 cells, propachlor displayed an ID50 on cell proliferation of less than 3 x 10(-7) M. Propachlor also inhibited significantly the uptake of leucine, thymidine and uridine. Kinetic experiments indicate that the inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and precursor uptake are present after the first day of culture. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of propachlor is largely reversible in that cells grown in propachlor and then washed free of the compound return to a nearly normal rate of proliferation. Finally, these effects of propachlor were dependent on cell density, with greater activity occurring at higher propachlor to cell ratios.

MeSH terms

  • Acetanilides / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Cell Count
  • Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Herbicides
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Leukemia L1210 / pathology*
  • Mice

Substances

  • Acetanilides
  • Herbicides
  • propachlor