Biochem/physiol Actions

Nocodazole is an anticancer drug that has been shown to interfere with the structure and function of microtubules in interphase and mitotic cells. Malignant cells may be more susceptible to the antimicrotubular effect of nocodazole than nonmalignant cells. Mammalian cells cultured in vitro can be treated with 0.04-10 µg/mL doses for cell synchronization experiments. Prolonged arrest of cells in mitosis due to nocodazole treatment typically results in cell death by apoptosis. Higher concentrations could not be used because of insolubility. High specificity of action may explain low toxicity to bone marrow cells and lack of neurotoxicity. Nocodazole is thought to bind directly to tubulin causing conformational changes resulting in increased exposure of some sulfhydryl and possibly tyrosine residues. Nocodazole′s apparent synergism with cytosine arabinofuranoside has been demonstrated on L1210 leukemic cells.

Preparation Note

Nocodazole forms precipitates in frozen solution, therefore sonication should be applied after thaw to homogenize the solution. It is recommended to sonicate for 1-3 minutes post thawing to remove precipitates that might appear due to freezing.For cell culture work, dilute Nocodazole ready-made solution (5 mg/mL DMSO) in the culture media, diluted solution is stable for at least 7 days in biological. Mammalian cells cultured in vitro can be treated with 0.04-10 µg/mL doses.

Storage and Stability

The product is stable for 2 years at -20C.