The effect of CPH 82 on the growth of human lymphocytes in vitro. Definition of cytobiological action.

A drug composed of two semisynthetic podophylline derivatives, CPH 82, has recently been launched for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis. The present in vitro study of PHA-stimulated human T-lymphocytes showed that CPH 82 arrested cell division in a metaphase-like configuration. The cell cycle effects of CPH 82 were indistinguishable from the cell cycle effects of the classical microtubule depolymerizers, Colcemid (a colchicine derivative) and podophyllotoxin. A CPH 82 concentration of 1 microgram/ml, which is close to therapeutic serum concentrations, had an almost maximal effect on cell division. It is suggested that at least part of the anti-inflammatory effect of CPH 82 is due to a colchicine-like activity on, for example, proliferating lymphocytes.