Inhibitory effects of latex on murine B16/F10 melanoma cells and lung metastasis.

() is a tropical and subtropical plant that produces a latex which is used for several purposes. The components of latex include triterpenes, diterpenes and steroids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diluted latex on murine B16/F10 melanoma cells and lung metastasis. For this purpose, an study was first performed, in which B16/F10 cells were treated with diluted (1/2 to 1/11,192) latex. In a second study, B16/F10 melanoma cells were inoculated into the tail vein of mice to generate lung metastases; the mice then received 0.467 µg of latex diluted in 200 ml saline by gavage for 14 days. A significant decrease in B16/F10 cell viability was observed using the MTT assay at 24 and 48 h after treatment with latex. In addition, a significant decrease in the volume fraction occupied by B16/F10 metastatic colonies in the lungs was observed in mice treated with latex. These results confirm the antineoplastic effects of diluted latex.