The role of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate in the division of WI 38 cells. The cellular response to prostaglandin E1 and the effects of an cyclic adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate analogue and prostaglandin E1 on cell division.

Inhibition of growth and DNA synthesis was observed in WI 38 cells incubated with 8-methylthioadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate or prostaglandin E(1). The effect of both compounds on cell growth was reversible. On removal of these compounds from culture media the cells initiated DNA synthesis and divided. In addition, prostaglandin E(1) stimulated cyclic AMP formation in these cells to over 40 times the normal basal value. The increase in cyclic AMP concentration in WI 38 cells after addition of prostaglandin E(1) showed a marked variation. Cells that had recently been treated with trypsin and plated at a lower cell density exhibited a smaller response to addition of prostaglandin E(1) than cells that had divided and reached confluence.