Inhibition of mouse spleen cell activity by organotin compounds: effect of attachment of a maltose residue to the organotin group.

Studies are reported on the inhibition of DNA synthesis and the lowering of cell viability caused by bis(tributyltin) oxide in mouse spleen cells cultured in the presence and absence of the B-lymphocyte mitogen, bacterial lipopolysaccharide. When a maltose residue is introduced into the organotin compound these toxic effects are increased. It is suggested that the maltose residue facilitates entry of the organotin compound into the cells.