Selective cytotoxicity of 4-S-cysteaminylphenol on follicular melanocytes of the black mouse: rational basis for its application to melanoma chemotherapy

Journal Article · Mon Jun 15 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Cancer Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6272436

Ito, Y; Jimbow, K

We have previously shown that 4-S-cysteaminylphenol (4-S-CAP) causes a significant inhibition of in vivo melanoma growth. To clarify the mechanism of the in vivo antimelanoma effect, this study evaluated the cellular and subcellular changes of follicular melanocytes after s.c. administration of 4-S-CAP on the lumbar areas of black and albino mice. 4-S-CAP produced a prompt, selective swelling and lysis of melanocytes, resulting eventually in the necrosis of melanocytes and the depigmentation of black hair follicles. None of the degenerative changes were seen in melanocytes and keratinocytes of control albino follicles. Comparison of melanocytes in black and albino follicles revealed that melanin synthesis is highly active in the melanocytes of black follicles while melanin and tyrosinase synthesis is not seen in the melanocytes of albino follicles. The findings indicate that the selective melanocytotoxicity of 4-S-CAP is manifested by lysis and necrosis of cells which are actively engaged in melanin synthesis. 4-S-CAP appears to provide a new modality for rational chemotherapy of malignant melanoma.

• Research Organization: Sapporo Medical College, Japan
• OSTI ID: 6272436
• Journal Information: Cancer Res.; (United States), Vol. 12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ANIMAL CELLS
LYSIS
NECROSIS
MELANIN
BIOSYNTHESIS
MELANOMAS
CHEMOTHERAPY
GROWTH
PHENOLS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
THERAPEUTIC USES
HAIR
INHIBITION
MEA
MICE
TYROSINASE
AMINES
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
BODY
DISEASES
DRUGS
ENZYMES
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
HYDROXYLASES
MAMMALS
NEOPLASMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PIGMENTS
RADIOPROTECTIVE SUBSTANCES
RODENTS
SKIN
SYNTHESIS
THERAPY
THIOLS
USES
VERTEBRATES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
550600 - Medicine