Morphological Changes in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells in Response to Bis-Naphthalimidopropylspermidine-Treatment

ABSTRACT

The effects of bis-naphthalimidopropylspermidine (BNIPSpd), a representative of a novel class of polyamine derivatives with antiproliferative properties on the morphology of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were studied. BNIPSpd was shown to cause cytoplasmic shrinkage, observed by monitoring the cells by means of phase-contrast microscopy. Chromatin condensation and nucleolar disintegration were also detected by Hoechst 33342 and Giemsa staining the cells, treated with 10 μM BNIPSpd for 8h. Taken together the morhological changes observed strongly suggested that the growth inhibition of MCF- 7 cells in response to BNIPSpd-treatment is realized via an induction of apoptosis. Moreover, nucleolus appears to be an important target in the mode of cytotoxic action of this novel polyamine derivative.