Abstract: The synergetic cytocidal effect of ascorbic acid and mitomycin C on Ehrlich as-cites tumor cells in culture was studied. The chain scission of DNA by Cu(II) mitomycin C/ascorbic acid system, and the chemical kinetics of the Cu(II) catalyzed aerobic oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence of mitomycin C were also discussed. Experimental results showed that ascorbic acid and mitomycin C were synergetic in destroying Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.The effect is related to the breaking action of the Cu(II) mitomycin C/ascorbic acid system on the DNA chain, and to the quantity of the system produced ·OH, and the speed of production which are both directly proportional to the concentration of ascorbic aci.These results imply that the ·OH produced in the aerobic oxidation of ascorbic acid, and·OH induced scission of DNA chain, are important factors to he synergetic cytocidal effect of ascorbic acid and mitomycin C on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Key words: Ascorbic acid, Mitomycin C, Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, Chain scission of