Concentration-dependent effects of potassium dichromate on the cell cycle.
Hexavalent chromium is found to be a strong mutagen, and it also is a potential carcinogen in man. DNA flow cytometry, growth measurements, and determinations of mitotic index show that 1-2 microM K2Cr2O7 produces a prolongation of the G2 phase of the cell cycle in NHIK 3025 cells. By increasing the chromate concentrations (greater than 2 microM K2Cr2O7) the cells are also arrested in G2 phase. We have found, using synchronized cells and measuring cell cycle time, that the most chromate-sensitive part of the cell cycle is S phase. This phase is also somewhat prolonged, and the cells became arrested in early S phase at high toxic K2Cr2O7 concentrations (8 microM). Our results thus indicate that K2Cr2O7 has an effect within S phase--maybe on DNA/RNA synthesis--and also interferes with processes necessary for progression through the G2 phase.
D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D002460:Cell Line; D002840:Chromates / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007399:Interphase / Q000187:drug effects; D008940:Mitotic Index; D011192:Potassium Dichromate / Q000494:pharmacology*
D002840:Chromates; D004247:DNA; D011192:Potassium Dichromate