Dimethyl sulfoxide induces expression of H-2 antigens on mouse lung carcinoma cells.

The addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to cultures of line 1 carcinoma cells can increase the surface expression of H-2K and H-2D antigens at least 100-fold from barely detectable initial levels, as determined by using specific monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. H-2 values stabilize approximately 1 wk after exposure to maximally inducing concentrations of DMSO (3% vol) at densities found on normal spleen cells. Increased expression of H-2 antigens is not the result of cell selection, it is specific in that expression of an unrelated surface protein decreases, and it is associated with increased synthesis of these antigens as measured by incorporation of [35S]methionine. Additional DMSO-induced changes in the growth, cycling, lectin binding, and antigenic properties of line 1 cells are consistent with increased cell maturation. All changes are reversed when DMSO is removed. This system may facilitate study of products associated with differentiation that influence tumor cell malignancy.