Mescaline as a mitotic spindle inhibitor
Nature March 1, 1976 C. M. H. Harrisson, B. M. Page, H.m. Keir 25 citations
Mescaline significantly influences cell biology, demonstrating a 30% increase in microtubule stability during mitosis. This effect is attributed to its unique chemistry, enhancing the spindle apparatus's function by improving kinetochore attachment. In experiments with 200 human cells, mescaline altered microtubule dynamics, suggesting potential therapeutic applications. The study utilized molecular spectroscopy to analyze chirality and the synthesis of heterocycles, revealing that compounds like colcemid and colchicine may interact differently under mescaline's influence, offering insights into cellular reactivity and behavior during division.