Description
Vinblastine Sulfate — Vinca Alkaloid Microtubule Inhibitor (Research Grade)
Product Overview
Vinblastine Sulfate is a potent vinca alkaloid that acts as a microtubule‐disrupting agent, making it a valuable tool in cancer biology, cell cycle, and cytoskeletal research. It is widely employed in in vitro studies to inhibit mitosis via binding to tubulin, arresting cells in the metaphase stage, and thereby triggering downstream apoptotic pathways.
Though clinically used as a chemotherapeutic, the research-grade sulfate salt is intended strictly for laboratory applications (not human therapeutic use).
Specifications & Identity
| Property |
Information |
| Synonyms / Abbreviations |
VLB, Vincaleukoblastine sulfate |
| CAS Number |
143-67-9
|
| Molecular Formula |
C₄₆H₆₀N₄O₁₃·H₂SO₄ (approx. C₄₆H₆₀N₄O₁₃S + associated sulfate)
|
| Molecular Weight |
≈ 909.06 g/mol (as the sulfate salt)
|
| Purity |
Typically ≥ 96 % (depending on supplier)
|
| Physical Form |
Solid / powder, typically supplied dry
|
| Solubility |
Soluble in appropriate organic or aqueous buffers (depending on pH, salt, etc.)
|
| Storage & Handling |
Store in a dry, light-protected environment; handle under appropriate safety controls (e.g. in fume hood, with gloves, etc.) |
Mechanism & Biological Function
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Vinblastine binds to tubulin monomers, preventing their polymerization into microtubules. This disrupts the mitotic spindle and halts cells in metaphase during mitosis.
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Prolonged mitotic block often leads to activation of apoptotic signaling pathways, especially in rapidly dividing cells.
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Because of its mode of action, vinblastine is a cell cycle–specific agent, predominantly affecting cells in the M phase.
Research Applications & Usage Notes
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Cell cycle / mitosis studies
Use vinblastine to arrest cells in metaphase, allowing synchronized populations or the study of mitotic checkpoints, spindle dynamics, and chromosomal segregation.
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Cytotoxicity / apoptosis assays
Investigate dose-dependent effects of microtubule disruption on cell viability, signaling cascades, and apoptosis in cancer cell lines or model systems.
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Mechanistic / signaling studies
Explore downstream events following mitotic arrest (e.g. p53 induction, Bcl-2 family modulation, caspase activation) in response to vinblastine treatment.
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Drug combination / sensitization experiments
Combine with agents targeting other cell cycle phases, DNA damage, or survival pathways to probe interactions, synergy, or resistance mechanisms.
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Microtubule dynamics / cytoskeleton modulation
At sublethal concentrations, vinblastine can be used to perturb microtubule dynamics, study microtubule instability, or evaluate interactions with microtubule-associated proteins.
Usage Tips / Considerations:
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Begin with a dose–response pilot experiment (e.g. a wide concentration range) to find effective yet non-overkill concentrations for your cell line or system.
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Carefully time treatment durations — both prolonged exposure and short pulses can yield different phenotypic outcomes (e.g. reversible arrest vs apoptosis).
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Use proper controls (vehicle, untreated, positive mitotic inhibitors) to distinguish specific microtubule effects.
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Because vinblastine is potent and cytotoxic, handle with care: use gloves, eye protection, and contain spills; work in biosafety hood or fume hood if needed.
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Validate that your solvent, media, and buffering conditions (pH, ionic strength) do not interfere with drug activity or solubility.
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Confirm experimental readouts (e.g. mitotic index, DNA content, markers of apoptosis) to correlate phenotypic changes with expected biological effect.
Safety & Disclaimer
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For research use only. Not intended for human or veterinary use.
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Vinblastine is a potent cytotoxic compound; exposure can be hazardous. Use standard laboratory safety practices (PPE, containment, proper waste disposal).
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Avoid direct contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. In case of accidental exposure, wash thoroughly with water and seek medical attention.
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Dispose of waste and unused material according to institutional, local, and regulatory guidelines for cytotoxic chemicals.
