Release of Radiation-Induced Mitotic Inhibition in Mammalian Cells

Abstract

The requirement of DNA synthesis for the release of Ɣ-radiation-induced mitotic inhibition in mammalian cells has been studied. Mammalian cells in which DNA synthesis had been inhibited by treatment with fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) were not released from radiation-induced mitotic inhibition until the FUdR block was removed. After removal of the block, mitotic figures reappeared, but only after a time equivalent to the usual mitotic delay caused by the particular radiation dose employed. This suggests that repair of the mitotic inhibition lesion can not proceed unless the pathway for DNA synthesis is intact. Further evidence for the requirement of DNA synthesis in the release of mitotic inhibition came from the observation of radiation-induced synthesis of DNA during G₂, a stage in the cell cycle normally not associated with such synthesis.