Effects of theophylline treatment on mouse B-16 melanoma cells in vitro.

The effects of theophylline treatment on mouse B-16 melanoma cell growth, metabolism, and membrane antigen expression in vitro were studied. Theophylline treatment inhibited DNA synthesis and the cell growth rate, and caused an elevation of intracellular cAMP levels. Cells treated with theophylline became elongated and assumed a normal fibroblast-like morphology. Theophylline treatment of B-16 cells also reduced the levels of tumor specific antigen and H-2 antigen detectable on the cell membrane.