1. A tricyclic pentaglycosidic antibiotic from streptomyces strains that inhibits RNA and protein synthesis by adhering to DNA. It is used as a fluorescent dye and as an antineoplastic agent, especially in bone and testicular tumours. Plicamycin is also used to reduce hypercalcaemia, especially that due to malignancies.
Pharmacological action: antibiotics, antineoplastic, fluorescent dyes, nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors, protein synthesis inhibitor.
Chemical name: Mithramycin
(12 Dec 1998)
