The effects of osmotic pressure on procaine-induced vacuolation in cell culture

The effect of increased tonicity on procaine-induced vacuolation in the H.Ep.2 cell has been investigated. An increase in tonicity equivalent to about 1·3% NaCl was found to reduce the formation of the drug-induced vacuoles and also to reduce established vacuolation. There appeared to be no difference in the effectiveness of the osmotic adjusting substances used (sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, glucose, fructose and sucrose) when employed in osmotically equivalent amounts.