DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER (TRANSCUTOL(R)) DISPLAYS ANTIPROLIFERATIVE PROPERTIES ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH XANTHINES

In the present study we have investigated the effects of diethylene gl ycol monoethyl ether (Transcutol(R)) in combination with theophylline, caffeine and dyphylline and alone on 3T3 mouse fibroblast proliferati on. These three xanthines (1-0.01 mM) inhibited fibroblast proliferati on by themselves. Enhancement of the effect was detected by addition o f 1 and 0.1 mM Transcutol. Transcutol alone also displayed a dose-depe ndent inhibition (2-0.01 mM) of both 3T3 and human normal and psoriati c fibroblasts, although normal human fibroblasts were the least sensit ive to Transcutol antiproliferative activity. Transcutol was assessed for its antiproliferative effects on YAC lymphoma and P-815 mastocytom a human cell lines. Transcutol inhibited cell proliferation of both th ese cell lines, being more effective towards P-815 mastocytoma (at 2 m iM it displayed 3.95-fold vs. 2.4-fold inhibition towards YAC lymphoma ). In conclusion, we have shown that Transcutol has antiproliferative effects on 3T3 murine, human normal and psoriatic fibroblasts and tumo ur cell lines. In addition it enhances xanthine antiproliferative effe cts on 3T3 fibroblasts. Therefore it might be a useful topical drug al one or in combination with xanthines in the treatment of skin hyperpro liferative disorders.