Biotechnology

Biology

Cardiology

Endothelium

Biochemistry

Environmental health

In vivo

Thrombus

Toxicity

Pathophysiology

In vitro

Population

Internal medicine

Cytotoxic T cell

Chemotherapy

Cardiotoxicity

Medicine

Chemistry

Fixation (population genetics)

Perfusion

Pathology

European Journal of Cancer

Cardiotoxicity of 5-ftuorouracil (5-FU) is mysterious toxic manifestation in treatment of human malignancies. Its possible mechanism might be direct cytotoxic effect on endothelium in cardiac vessels. We tested this hypothesis in experimental study in rabbits. The small arteries after <i>in vivo</i> treatment with 5-FU were prepared by perfusion-fixation method. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy evaluation of endothelium was done. We found irreversible cell damage consisting of disruption of endothelium sheet and patchy exposure of subendothelium, frequently observed as location fur thrombus furmation. Findings support the hypothesis about the thrombogenic effect of 5-FU, secondary to its direct cytotoxic effect on endothelium as pathophysiological mechanism behind 5-FU cardiotoxicity.

115 The influence of 5-fluorouracil on the appearance of endothelium in small arteries. A scanning and transmission electron microscopic study in rabbits