SELECTIVE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF BENZALDEHYDE ON THE GROWTH OF SIMIAN-VIRUS 40-TRANSFORMED CELLS

Normal and Simian virus 40-transformed cells were treated with benzaldehyde which has been found in figs as a potent carcinostatic element. Benzaldehyde notably inhibited the growth of transformed cells when cells were cultivated in the presence of 25 μg/ml of benzaldehyde. No significant effect was observed at this concentration on the growth of normal cells. In the presence of 50 μg/ml of benzaldehyde the growth of transformed cells was completely inhibited. The growth inhibition by 50 μg/ml of benzaldehyde was reversible and cells resumed growth after removal of the chemical from the media. A labeling experiment of cells with [14C]-benzaldehyde indicated that the reaction of benzaldehyde with cellular proteins was limited mainly to exposed membrane proteins. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.