Stimulation of differentiation in human melanoma cells by dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO).

Stimulation of differentiation in human amelanotic melanoma cell line by 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% DMSO expressed in increased melanization was linked to significant decrease in proliferation rate of these cells. After removing DMSO the 0.5 and 1% samples became within 14 days again amelanotic with the same growth capacity as untreated controls. The 1.5 and 2% samples did not recover after DMSO removing and the inhibition of proliferation was irreversible.