Open AccessThree-dimensional analysis of the synergistic cytotoxicity of ganciclovir and zidovudine
Author(s) -
Mark Prichard,
Lynn Prichard,
W A Baguley,
Mahmoud Nassiri,
Charles Shipman
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.07
H-Index - 259
eISSN - 1070-6283
pISSN - 0066-4804
DOI - 10.1128/aac.35.6.1060
Subject(s) - cytotoxicity , ganciclovir , zidovudine , in vivo , pharmacology , drug , cell culture , chemistry , in vitro , virology , biology , human cytomegalovirus , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , biochemistry , virus , viral disease , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
The combined cytotoxicity of zidovudine and ganciclovir in three cell lines of human origin was examined. The data were generated by a new rapid cell proliferation assay and a more sensitive plating efficiency assay. A three-dimensional analytical approach was used to evaluate the drug-drug interactions, and the results were compared with those obtained by two conventional methods of analysis. Synergistic cytotoxicity was observed in all cell lines examined and by both assays. Moreover, this synergistic cytotoxicity was statistically significant at physiologically relevant concentrations. It is not known whether these drug-drug interactions manifest themselves in vivo as granulocytopenia or other untoward side effects. These results, however, indicate that further investigation is warranted and that the coadministration of zidovudine and ganciclovir may be contraindicated.