Chlorpromazine inhibits mitosis of mammalian cells
Boder, G.B.; Paul, D.C.; Williams, D.C.
European Journal of Cell Biology 31(2): 349-353
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0171-9335 PMID: 6357800 Document Number: 199936
Chlorpromazine (CPZ) cells in mitosis without lethal effects on the cells. Star-metaphase morphology similar to effects seen with classical antimitotic compounds probably results from the preferential action of CPZ on a specific class of microtubules, the pole-to-pole microtubules of the mitotic spindle. At CPZ concentrations of 8 .times. 10-6 M flow cytometry indicates no effect of CPZ on the progress of cells through phases of the cell cycle other than mitosis (M). These results suggest a possible mechanism for toxic side effects of CPZ in man such as granulocytopenia and light sensitization.