MITOGENIC PROPERTIES OF UKRAIN (NSC-6315170) ON HUMAN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONOCYTES - CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Using a cell-proliferation assay the authors examined and compared the mitogenic effects of Ukrain and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) on human pe ripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as their synergic ef fects. II was found that even a short period of pretreatment of the ce ll with Ukrain had a potent synergic effect on PHA mitogenesis resulti ng in significantly higher cell stimulation indices than those of PHA alone. Moreover it was found that a short period of PHA treatment of t he cells is almost imperative for Ukrain to exert its mitogenic effect s. The mitogenic effect of Ukrain on human PBMCs is consistent with a previous clinical report which found that circulating lymphocytes were significantly increased in cancer patients treated with Ukrain. Thus the in vitro assay used in these studies may serve as a prognostic ass ay for potential patient responsiveness to Ukrain treatment as well as a clinical parameter during Ukrain therapy.