Modulation of SCE induction and cell proliferation by 2-mercaptoethanol in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated rat lymphocytes.
2-Mercaptoethanol (2-ME) is used as a medium supplement to enhance the proliferation of lymphocytes cultured in vitro. In this study, we have examined the effects of 2-ME on cell growth and on SCE induction in cultures of unstimulated and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated Fischer 344 rat lymphocytes. There were virtually no metaphases detected in cells cultured without PHA. In PHA-stimulated cultures, 2-ME decreased SCE frequency but it enhanced SCE frequency in the presence of 5 to 12.5 microM bromodeoxyuridine (BRdU). Both mitotic and replication indices were increased in the PHA/2-ME system. The levels of incorporated exogenous thymidine, in the presence of 2-ME, were relatively low in unstimulated cells, suggesting that 2-ME is not mitogenic for T-cells. However, 2-ME enhanced PHA-induced response of T-cells as evidenced by increased levels of thymidine incorporation into cellular DNA. The growth-promoting effects and the decrease in SCE frequency caused by 2-ME upon PHA stimulation indicate that 2-ME may alter the nature of interaction between PHA and cellular activating properties or the replicative processes.
Aidoo
A
A
Division of Genetic Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079.
Morris
S M
SM
Domon
O E
OE
McGarrity
L J
LJ
Kodell
R L
RL
Casciano
D A
DA
D000818:Animals; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine / Q000494:pharmacology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008623:Mercaptoethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012854:Sister Chromatid Exchange / Q000187:drug effects*; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism
D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D008623:Mercaptoethanol; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine; D013936:Thymidine