Cisplatin-induced changes in tissue calcium and potassium concentrations in tumour bearing mice

Treatment of mice bearing ascites Dalton's lymphoma (DL) with cisplatin res ulted in a significant increase in the concentration of calcium in tumour c ells, kidney and brain and a significant decrease in potassium in tumour ce lls and kidney, and almost no changes in liver and spleen. In brain the Kconcentration increased significantly over 4-24 h of cisplatin treatment bu t subsequently decreased to about the control level. A rise in calcium and fall in potassium concentrations selectively in some tissues may suggest se lective cytotoxicity. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase and (Na++K+) Mg2-ATPase declined in DL cells and increased in the ascites supernatants afte r cisplatin treatment, indicating the release of these enzymes and suggesti ng damage to the cells. Cisplatin treatment resulted in a fall in oxygen co nsumption rate by the tumour cells. It is suggested that cisplatin-induced damage to the DL cells may involve changes in ionic concentrations, particu larly calcium and potassium, which may lead to tumour cell deaths. Med Sci Res 27:459-462 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.