The influence of non-cytotoxic concentrations of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on the DNA synthesis in cultured vertebrate cells.
The influence of the herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on the growth of cultured chicken muscle cells was studied by observing morphological changes and by cytophotometric measurement of the DNA content of individual cells. DNA-synthesis curves were derived from the distribution of DNA values. No marked effects were observed at a concentration of 60 mug per liter. In contrast, doses of 600 mug per liter caused a loss in cell differentiation consisting of a partial lack of polar orientation, diminished formation of fibers, and an increase of the N/C ratio. The nuclear matrix of desoxyribonucleoprotein (DNP) changed to a more heteropycnotic structure. Isolated cell necroses were found after 44 hrs of exposure. When compared to the controls, the relative DNA synthesis time was found to be prolonged 1.5-fold. The number of cells in the G2 phase decreased during 44 hrs of exposure. It is concluded from these results that the dosedependent growth inhibition of 2,4-D on vertebrate cells in culture takes effect during DNA synthesis. The morphological changes of the nuclear structure suggests that 2,4-D directly affects the template activity of the DNP matrix.
D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002843:Chromatin / Q000187:drug effects; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005453:Fluorescence; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D002843:Chromatin; D015084:2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid; D004247:DNA