Inhibitors of epidermal cell DNA synthesis in surviving pig skin in vitro.

Keratome slices of domestic pig skin were used to study the DNA synthesis phase of epidermal cell DNA synthesis. Cyclic AMP and agents which elevate intracellular concentrations of cyclic AMP have no direct effect on the "S" phase of DNA synthesis. Theophylline, isobutylmethylxanthine, and adenosine inhibit DNA synthesis immediately by a mechanism which is reversible and is not dependent on cyclic AMP. This inhibition is not associated with an increase in intracellular thymidine phosphates. Hydroxyurea, however, inhibits DNA synthesis immediately and does produce an elevated pool of thymidine phosphates.