Biomaterial Database

Effect of 5-fluorouracil and thymidine on the transmembrane potential and zeta potential of HeLa cells. 1978

S Walliser, and K Redmann

The main result of the experiments reported in this paper is the observation that HeLa cells, when treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), show a damped oscillatory response in the transmembrane potential. This effect is counteracted by thymidine. Damped oscillation in the transmembrane potential occurs within the first hr after addition of 5-FU, commencing with an initial hypopolarization. At low concentrations (10(-8) through 10(-7) M), hyperpolarization of the cell membrane is observed after lengthy incubation time (24 to 96 hr). Membrane depolarization is enhanced at higher concentrations (10(-6) through 10(-4) M) and with increasing exposure to the cytostatic substance. The surface charge or zeta potential of HeLa cells is altered to a lesser extent by 5-FU than is the transmembrane potential. Distinct effects can be observed as late as after 72 and 96 hr. When thymidine (2 x 10(-5) M) is added along with 5-FU, the depolarizing action of the antimetabolite can be abolished. Thymidine itself, at the concentration used, causes almost no change in membrane polarization. The results suggest that the effect of 5-FU on the cell membrane is related to the influence of the antimetabolite on cell growth. Moreover, this membrane effect might be the primary cause for the cytostatic action.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008564	Membrane Potentials	The voltage differences across a membrane. For cellular membranes they are computed by subtracting the voltage measured outside the membrane from the voltage measured inside the membrane. They result from differences of inside versus outside concentration of potassium, sodium, chloride, and other ions across cells' or ORGANELLES membranes. For excitable cells, the resting membrane potentials range between -30 and -100 millivolts. Physical, chemical, or electrical stimuli can make a membrane potential more negative (hyperpolarization), or less negative (depolarization).	Resting Potentials,Transmembrane Potentials,Delta Psi,Resting Membrane Potential,Transmembrane Electrical Potential Difference,Transmembrane Potential Difference,Difference, Transmembrane Potential,Differences, Transmembrane Potential,Membrane Potential,Membrane Potential, Resting,Membrane Potentials, Resting,Potential Difference, Transmembrane,Potential Differences, Transmembrane,Potential, Membrane,Potential, Resting,Potential, Transmembrane,Potentials, Membrane,Potentials, Resting,Potentials, Transmembrane,Resting Membrane Potentials,Resting Potential,Transmembrane Potential,Transmembrane Potential Differences
D002462	Cell Membrane	The lipid- and protein-containing, selectively permeable membrane that surrounds the cytoplasm in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.	Plasma Membrane,Cytoplasmic Membrane,Cell Membranes,Cytoplasmic Membranes,Membrane, Cell,Membrane, Cytoplasmic,Membrane, Plasma,Membranes, Cell,Membranes, Cytoplasmic,Membranes, Plasma,Plasma Membranes
D005472	Fluorouracil	A pyrimidine analog that is an antineoplastic antimetabolite. It interferes with DNA synthesis by blocking the THYMIDYLATE SYNTHETASE conversion of deoxyuridylic acid to thymidylic acid.	5-FU,5-FU Lederle,5-FU Medac,5-Fluorouracil,5-Fluorouracil-Biosyn,5-HU Hexal,5FU,Adrucil,Carac,Efudex,Efudix,Fluoro-Uracile ICN,Fluoroplex,Fluorouracil Mononitrate,Fluorouracil Monopotassium Salt,Fluorouracil Monosodium Salt,Fluorouracil Potassium Salt,Fluorouracil-GRY,Fluorouracile Dakota,Fluorouracilo Ferrer Far,Fluoruracil,Fluracedyl,Flurodex,Haemato-FU,Neofluor,Onkofluor,Ribofluor,5 FU Lederle,5 FU Medac,5 Fluorouracil,5 Fluorouracil Biosyn,5 HU Hexal,Dakota, Fluorouracile,Fluoro Uracile ICN,Fluorouracil GRY,Haemato FU
D006367	HeLa Cells	The first continuously cultured human malignant CELL LINE, derived from the cervical carcinoma of Henrietta Lacks. These cells are used for, among other things, VIRUS CULTIVATION and PRECLINICAL DRUG EVALUATION assays.	Cell, HeLa,Cells, HeLa,HeLa Cell
D013936	Thymidine	A nucleoside in which THYMINE is linked to DEOXYRIBOSE.	2'-Deoxythymidine,Deoxythymidine,2' Deoxythymidine
D013997	Time Factors	Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.	Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor