Enhanced inhibitory effects of hyperthermia combined with ascorbic acid on DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells grown at a low cell density.

Effects of hyperthermia and cell densities on inhibitory activity of ascorbic acid on DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were studied. When cells at a low density of 5 x 10(3)/ml were treated with 75 microM ascorbic acid for 1 h, DNA synthesis was inhibited after treatment at 37 degrees C and the inhibition was significantly enhanced at 42 degrees C. At a cell density as high as 1 x 10(5)/ml, however, inhibition did not occur at 37 degrees C or 42 degrees C. In contrast, dehydroascorbic acid was inactive even at a low cell density under similar conditions. Inhibitory effects of ascorbic acid on DNA synthesis were also markedly enhanced by treatment at 40 degrees C. DNA synthesis was not inhibited in the absence of the drug. Furthermore, mice transplanted with cells treated with a combination of 75 microM ascorbic acid and hyperthermia at 42 degrees C, considerably prolonged their survival time in comparison with untreated cells. Addition of ascorbic acid to hyperthermia is suggested to be an advantageous treatment for cancer.