The inhibitory effect of deferoxamine on DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes

As an iron-chelating agent, deferoxamine (DFO) is widely used in treating iron poisoning and disorders of iron overload. This study demonstrates that DFO is a potent S-phase inhibitor of DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes in vitro, and this inhibitory effect of DFO is reversible by adding appropriate amounts of ferric ion. As a nontoxic and selective-S-phase inhibitor, it may play a role in immunosuppression in experimental and therapeutic situations. It may even become an auxiliary therapy for leukemia or other malignant tumors.