MITOCHONDRIA-LYTIC ACTION OF WARFARIN IN LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

Warfarin given as a single dose of 20 mg induces lysis of mitochondria in lymphocytes from chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemias studied under the electron microscope. Normal lymphocytes remain unchanged. This cytotoxic actin may be due to superoxide radicals produced in the malignant cells by warfarin, which is a potent electron-transferring substance.