[Effect of polyethyelene glycol on proliferation of cultured Chinese hamster cells]

Chinese hamster cells in suspension were treated with PEG 4000 for 20 min. It was found that cell size began to diminish already when a 5% PEG solution was used, and reached the minimal value in a 20% PEG solution. A pronounced cell death was observed when PEG concentration exceeded 20%, but cells that survived retained their proliferation potential. It is concluded that the cell death results from hypoosmotic shock when cell suspension in PEG solution is diluted.