Mebendazole is a hedgehog inhibitor, used as an antihelminthic.
mebendazole (MZ), a derivative of benzimidazole, induces a dose- and time-dependent apoptotic response in human lung cancer cell lines. MZ arrests cells at the G2-M phase before the onset of apoptosis. MZ treatment also results in mitochondrial cytochrome c release, followed by apoptotic cell death. Additionally, MZ appears to be a potent inhibitor of tumor cell growth with little toxicity to normal WI38 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells[2].
When administered p.o. to nu/nu mice, MZ strongly inhibits the growth of human tumor xenografts and significantly reduces the number and size of tumors in an experimental model of lung metastasis. MZ treatment significantly reduces vessel densities in mice compared with those in control mice[2].
When grown to 40–50% confluence, the cells are exposed to MZ dissolved in DMSO. Cell growth is monitored by counting the viable cells using a hemacytometer.(Only for Reference)