EFFECTS OF ESTROGENS ON MICROTUBULE POLYMERIZATION IN-VITRO - CORRELATION WITH ESTROGENICITY

Several estrogens of diverse classes, namely stilbene estrogens, stero idal estrogens, phytoestrogens, mycoestrogens, lignans, and bisphenol A, were studied for their ability to interfere with the assembly of mi crotubules under cell-free conditions. Inhibition of microtubules in i ntact cells may lead to the induction of micronuclei and aneuploidy an d thereby contribute to estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis. Diethylstilb estrol and various other stilbene estrogens, as well as bisphenol A, w ere good inhibitors of microtubule polymerization whereas the other te sted compounds were devoid of this activity. Therefore, the ability of estrogenic substances to interact with microtubules does not correlat e with the hormonal activity.