Effects of tetraacetyl-bis-dehydroascorbic acid, a derivative of ascorbic acid, on Ehrlich cells and HeLa cells (human carcinoma cells).

Abstract

Derivatives of ascorbic acid were synthesized, and the studies were made on their effects in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells, in regard to the inhibition and the prolongation of survival time as well as on the morphological degeneration in HeLa cells. In a model infection study carried out by using tetraacetyl-bis-dehydroascorbic acid in dd mice infected with Ehrlich cells, it was proved that the prolongation of survival time was nearly double in comparison to the control group mice. Also, it was noted that hypertrophy due to abdominal dropsy and body weight were reduced much more than in the control group. From these results, the inhibiting effect of tetraacetyl-bis-dehydroascorbic acid was confirmed. While in the case of DHA and other derivatives, almost no inhibition and prolongation of survival time were observed. As for HeLa cells in a tissue culture, tetraacetyl-bis-DHA, in a dosage of 125-250 mug/ml, demonstrated definitely its morphological degeration. After 125 mug/ml of tetraacetyl-bis-DHA was added to a tissue culture solution of HeLa cells, the cells were washed and recultured. No growth of the cells was observed. Consequently, this substance was confirmed to be anti-HeLa substance with a low toxicity.