Vinblastine
Vincaleukoblastin
- 865-21-4
- 143-67-9 ( sulfate)
L01CA01
Cytostatic indole alkaloid
Sulfate
Risk
Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available
Vinblastine (tradename Velbe ®) is a chemotherapy drug that is used as a mitotic inhibitor used in chemotherapy in cancer patients. It is ( Catharanthus roseus called, formerly Vinca rosea) an alkaloid from the Pink Catharanthe. Vinblastine is the most famous representative of a whole group of alkaloids from this plant species, the so-called vinca alkaloids. These bind to the protein tubulin, thus inhibiting the formation of microtubules. Microtubules during cell division ensure that the respective pairs of chromosomes of the newly formed cells are pulled apart. This vinca alkaloids prevent cell division and affect so special about the rapidly dividing cells in tumors. They also block the DNA and RNA synthesis. The group of vinca alkaloids include vincristine, vindesine and vinorelbine.