The hepatotoxicities of endotoxin and ethanol comparisons in vitro using the precision-cut rat liver slice model.

Using the precision-cut rat liver slice model, the in vitro toxicities of endotoxin and ethanol, independently and in combination, were evaluated. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by two measures: the leakage of LDH from slice to medium and the ability of slices to reduce a tetrazolium compound, MTT. Ethanol, in concentrations of 1% and greater, exhibited a time and dose dependent hepatotoxicity; MTT reductive capacity was more profoundly affected than LDH leakage.

U-77,863: a novel cinnanamide isolated from Streptomyces griseoluteus that inhibits cancer invasion and metastasis.

Several cinnamoyl compounds have been shown to have antitumor activities, but not specifically anti-invasive or antimetastatic effects. U-77,863 (o-methyl cinnanamide) was originally isolated from a fermentation beer of Streptomyces griseoluteus and recently synthesized (Harper, DE and Welch DR. Journal of Antibiotics, in press).

Coexpression of vimentin and keratins by human melanoma tumor cells: correlation with invasive and metastatic potential.

Background: Several protein markers, including vimentin, have been used to diagnose human melanoma. Because melanoma often has metastasized by the time of diagnosis, early markers prognostic for metastatic potential need to be identified. Commonly, vimentin is found in mesenchymal cells, and keratins are present in epithelial cells, but recent studies report coexpression of vimentin and keratin(s) in epithelial and nonepithelial neoplasms, including some melanomas.

Inhibition of tumor cell invasion by verapamil.

Verapamil, a calcium channel antagonist, inhibits murine B16 melanoma and colon adenocarcinoma C26 tumor metastasis by altering platelet aggregation [Tsuruo, T., et al. (1985) Cancer Chemother.