The control of DNA replication in hybrids between neutrophils and fibroblasts

DNA synthesis regulation in heterokaryons between mouse neutrophils and cultured cells of various proliferative potentials has been studied. The following features have been found. Both immortalized and non-immortalized cells can reactivate DNA synthesis in neutrophil nuclei. The reactivation ability of cultured cells increases after immortalization and is not changed by further transformation. Neutrophils inhibit the entry of cultured cell nuclei into S phase and have no effect on ongoing DNA synthesis. Malignant cells are much less sensitive to the inhibitory action of neutrophils than non-malignant ones. Non-malignant immortalized cells are as sensitive to this effect as non-immortalized cells. Neutrophil karyoplasts do not influence DNA synthesis in partner cultured cell nuclei. Cycloheximide pretreatment of neutrophils drastically diminishes their inhibitory effect.