Enhanced polyploidy by glutaraldehyde in cultured HL60 leukemic cells

Glutaraldehyde 10(-4) M weakened cell proliferation of HL60 cultured cells and enhanced the appearance of giant polyploid cells, up to 32.5% after 6 days. The size and structure of these cells, the quantitative changes in their DNA content with respect to diploid ones demonstrate their polyploid nature, which may be corrected by the occurrence of pluripolar mitoses. However the slowing down of cell proliferation is not enough to orient the cells towards differentiation. Maturation of polyploid cells may be stimulated by retinoic acid and dexamethasone as for diploid ones. Several possible mechanisms of polyploidy are discussed. Except the possibility that the cells may directly fuse, the mechanisms which are considered, may involve a preprophase inhibition, a mitotic arrest at metaphase or a reduction of asters which may result in a defect in cytokinesis, the latter followed by secondary fusion of nuclei.