Reversible G2 block in the cell cycle of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells

Using flow cytometry we found that proliferation of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells has been reversibly arrested in the second half of the G2 period at the plateau phase of tumor growth in vivo. The ratio of G2/G1 cells increased from 0.3 at 6 days post tumor inoculation to 2.5 at 16 days when up to 25-35% of EAC cells are in G2. It was shown that when ascites fluid removal was followed by transferral in culture, G2-blocked cells synchronously entered the G1 phase via mitosis. In the presence of ascites fluid in the culture medium, EAC cells progressed through G1 and S phases but accumulated in G2. Fetal bovine serum, beta-mercaptoethanol, and caffeine failed to release cells from the G2 block when added to ascites fluid in culture. It is concluded that neither nutrient depletion nor a lack of growth factors is responsible for the G2 arrest of EAC cells. We suggest that ascites fluid contains a factor(s) which potently interrupts the G2 phase of the cell cycle.