Biochem/physiol Actions

Often in karyotyping and cell cycle research it is desirable to increase the yield of mitotic cells in a particular phase of the cell cycle. This can be achieved in a variety of ways with the most popular being the use of a cell cycle synchronizing agent such as demecolcine. Demecolcine will arrest cells in metaphase with no remarkable effect on the biochemical events in mitotic cells or in synchronized G1 and S phase cells. White blood cells are often treated with demecolcine to arrest cells in metaphase.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion, intraperitoneal, parenteral, intravenous, and intramuscular routes. Human systemic effects by ingestion: (skin and appendages) hair effects. Human mutation data reported. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Purification Methods

Colcemide is purified by chromatography on silica and eluting with CHCl3/MeOH (9:1), and by recrystallisation from EtOAc/Et2O to form yellow prisms. UV in EtOH has max 243nm ( 30,200) and 350nm ( 16,3000). [Synthesis, IR, NMR, MS: Capraro & Brossi Helv Chim Acta 62 965 1979, Beilstein 8 IV 3319.]

Definition

ChEBI: A secondary amino compound that is (S)-colchicine in which the N-acetyl group is replaced by an N-methyl group. Isolable from the autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale, it is less toxic than olchicine and is used as an antineoplastic.

General Description

Colcemid is also known as demecolcine. Its generic name is N-methyl-N-deacetyl-colchicine. Colcemid depolymerizes microtubules and blocks mitosis at metaphase.