RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 An Investigation into the Mechanism of Cytotoxicity of Levorphanol
JF Molecular Pharmacology
JO Mol Pharmacol
FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
SP 480
OP 483
VO 7
IS 4
A1 TOBY ROSSMAN
A1 FREDERICK F. BECKER
A1 JAL VILCEK
YR 1971
UL http://molpharm.aspetjournals.org/content/7/4/480.abstract
AB Levorphanol, a synthetic analogue of morphine (L-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan tartrate), has been reported to inhibit RNA synthesis. The effect of this compound upon the replication of Sindbis virus and upon the host cells in culture was studied. Propagation of the virus as well as synthesis of RNA and protein by the cells was inhibited by the drug. Light microscopic examination of the treated cells revealed extensive morphological alterations at doses lower than those which produced biochemical effects. These results indicate that levorphanol has cytotoxic activity other than its ability to diminish RNA synthesis.