Effects of bimolane on cell cycle cytokinesis in human lymphocytes in vitro

Bimolane, 1,2-bis(4-morpholinomethyl-3,5-dioxopiperazinyl) ethane, is a new antineoplastic agent synthesized first in China. The effects of bimolane on the rate of S phase cells, mitotic index, and cytokinesis in human peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured in vitro were studied by autoradiography with [3H]TdR and counting the number of mono- and multi-nucleated lymphocytes. Results showed that bimolane (5, 10, 20 micrograms.ml-1) inhibited the progression of cell cycle, so that the rate of S and M phases decreased. Bimolane inhibited cytokinesis, which formed bi- and multi-nucleated cells. The effects were concentration-dependent. Bimolane induced micronuclei in mono- and bi-nucleated lymphocytes. Our results indicate that bimolane is a cytotoxic and genotoxic agent