vincristine brands

Molecular formula: C46H56N4O10

The antitumor activity of Vincristine is thought to be due primarily to inhibition of mitosis at metaphase through its interaction with tubulin. Like other vinca alkaloids, Vincristine may also interfere with: 1) amino acid, cyclic AMP, and glutathione metabolism, 2) calmodulin-dependent Ca²⁺-transport ATPase activity, 3) cellular respiration, and 4) nucleic acid and lipid biosynthesis. Vinca alkaloids are cell cycle specific agents ... /which/ block mitosis and produce metaphase arrest. Biological activities of these drugs can be explained by their ability to bind specifically tubulin, and to block ability of the protein to polymerize into microtubules ... through disruption of microtubules of mitotic apparatus, cell division is arrested in metaphase. In absence of intact mitotic spindle, chromosomes may disperse throughout cytoplasm ... or may occur in unusual groupings ... inability to segregate chromosomes correctly during mitosis presumably leads to cellular death. /Vinca alkaloids/ Although the mechanism of action has not been definitely established, vincristine appears to bind to or crystallize critical microtubular proteins of the mitotic spindle, thus preventing their proper polymerization and causing metaphase arrest. In high concentrations, the drug also exerts complex effects on nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Vincristine exerts some immunosuppressive activity.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · compound 5978