Some effects of diazepam in human cells in vitro

Abstract

Human leukocytes have been evaluated for chromosome breakage in the presence of a tranquilizer, diazepam, in vitro. The agent was used in concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, and 20.0 μg per cubic centimeter of culture medium and the results were compared with those from control cultures. An increase in isochromatid and chromatid breaks were noted, the greatest effect being seen at 10.0 and 20.0 μg per cubic centimeter concentrations. The possible nonrandomness of the effect was noted. In addition, the effect of diazepam on the growth rate of human fibroblasts in vitro was observed. Concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 50.0 μg per cubic centimeter of medium were used and a depressing effect, which in general was dose related, of the agent on the growth rate was seen. The possible significance of these data is discussed.