Effects of arsenic on DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes

Effects of arsenic on DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes were biphasic: Either trivalent (arsenic trioxide and sodium arsenite) or pentavalent (sodium arsenate) arsenic compounds at very low concentrations enhanced DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), whereas higher concentrations inhibited DNA synthesis. There were differences among individual susceptibilities to arsenic-induced DNA synthesis. Either stimulating or inhibiting effects of trivalent arsenic on DNA synthesis in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes were always stronger than those of pentavalent arsenic. Both trivalent and pentavalent arsenic could be rapidly taken up into the human lymphocytes and immediately stimulate or inhibit DNA synthesis. A possible dual effect of arsenic at very low concentrations as both comutagen and inhibitor of mutagenesis is discussed.