[The influence of acetylcholine on the proliferation of cultured human pituitary tumour cells].

Aim: To study the influence of acetylcholine on the proliferation, DNA synthesis and cell cycle of cultured human pituitary tumour cells.
Methods: MTT method, 3H-TdR incorporation and cell cycle analysis were used to examine the changes of proliferation and DNA synthesis of human pituitary tumour cells.
Results: Ach at 10(-7) mol/L - 10(-5) mol/L could decrease the 3H-TdR incorporation and the MTT A value in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.01), and the ratio of G1 phase of pituitary tumour cells increased markedly (P < 0.01). The effect of acetylcholine on the proliferation of cultured human pituitary tumour cells could be inhibited by atropine.
Conclusion: Ach inhibited the proliferation, DNA synthesis and cell cycle of cultured human pituitary tumour cells, and the inhibitory effect was mediated by acetylcholine receptor.