Growth inhibition of murine melanoma by butyric acid and dimethylsulfoxide
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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Abstract:
Treatment of B16-F10 melanoma cells with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or butyric acid (BA) inhibits cell growth and delays tumor appearance in syngeneic mice. Both agents induce morphological changes in these cells. Treatment of melanoma cells with DMSO results in a marked increase in tyrosinase activity and melanin content. BA, on the other hand, does not increase melanin content and decreases tyrosinase activity. The data show that there are marked differences in the effect of DMSO and BA on melanin biosynthesis, whereas both agents inhibit cell growth and cause a delay in tumor appearance. These findings indicate that decreased proliferation of melanoma cells and induction of melanin biosynthesis are not necessarily associated phenomena.
Insights
Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and butyric acid (BA) inhibit melanoma cell growth and delay tumor development. However, only DMSO increases melanin production, showing growth inhibition and melanin induction are not always linked.
Area of Science:
- * Oncology
- * Cell Biology
- * Biochemistry
Background:
- * B16-F10 melanoma cells are a common model for studying melanoma.
- * Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and butyric acid (BA) are known to affect cell growth and differentiation.
- * The relationship between melanoma cell proliferation and melanin biosynthesis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the effects of DMSO and BA on B16-F10 melanoma cell growth.
- * To determine the impact of DMSO and BA on melanin biosynthesis in melanoma cells.
- * To explore the association between cell proliferation inhibition and melanin induction.
Main Methods:
- * B16-F10 melanoma cells were treated with DMSO or BA.
- * Cell growth was monitored.
- * Tyrosinase activity and melanin content were measured.
- * Tumorigenicity was assessed in syngeneic mice.
Main Results:
- * Both DMSO and BA inhibited B16-F10 melanoma cell growth and delayed tumor appearance.
- * DMSO treatment significantly increased tyrosinase activity and melanin content.
- * BA treatment did not increase melanin content and decreased tyrosinase activity.
- * Morphological changes were observed in cells treated with both agents.
Conclusions:
- * DMSO and BA differentially affect melanin biosynthesis pathways in melanoma cells.
- * Inhibition of melanoma cell proliferation can occur independently of increased melanin production.
- * These findings suggest distinct mechanisms underlying growth inhibition and melanogenesis.

