Cell cycle perturbating agents in a line of human thyroid transformed cells in culture (HuT)

Culture and differentiation parameters of a human thyroid transformed cell line (HuT) were analyzed. Treatment with high concentrations of chemical agents namely dimethyl sulphoxide and retinoic acid, exerted a dramatic cytotoxic effect. The exposure of these cells to the lowest doses of retinoic acid as well as to 8 mM–16 mM 3-aminobenzamide a potent inhibitor of poly(ADPribose)polymerase, resulted in a delay of cell proliferation. Poly(ADPribose)polymerase activity was differently affected by retinoic acid (stimulation) and 3-aminobenzamide (inhibition).