Abstract
5-Phenoxysulphonyl-1-methyl-4-nitroimidazole (NSC 38087) can act as a sensitizer of hypoxic mammalian cells to radiation in vitro. The degree of sensitization achieved is greater than would be predicted from the drug's electron affinity. Cytotoxicity studies have shown that 5 microM NSC 38087 can reduce the surviving fraction of log-phase V79 cells in air at 37 degrees C to 10(-2) after 2 h exposure. This toxicity is considerably increased by small rises in temperature. In contrast to other nitro-heterocyclic radiosensitizers, NSC 38087 and related 5-substituted 4-nitroimidazoles show greater toxicity towards aerobic than to hypoxic cells. Log-phase cells show the highest sensitivity to the toxic action of NSC 38087, with plateau-phase cells, cells with a history of chronic hypoxia, and thermotolerant cells showing greater resistance. These toxicity data are compared to those for the 2-nitroimidazole hypoxic-cell sensitizer misonidazole.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 24 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $10.79 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stratford, I., Williamson, C. & Hardy, C. Cytotoxic properties of a 4-nitroimidazole (NSC 38087): A radiosensitizer of hypoxic cells in vitro. Br J Cancer 44, 109–116 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1981.155
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1981.155