DNA synthesis in heterokaryons obtained by the fusion of proliferating cells of the NIH 3T3 line with cells in transition to the resting state

NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts cultured in the medium containing 0.5% serum for 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 hours were fused to cells stimulated for proliferation by replacing the medium with a fresh one containing 10% serum; DNA synthesis was studied in monokaryons, homo- and heterodikaryons using radioautography and double-labelling technique. Cells that were cultured in the medium with a low serum content for 72 hours exerted their inhibitory effect on the entry of stimulated nuclei into the S period in heterodikaryons, whereas cells deprived of serum for shorter periods failed to exert this effect. It thus appears that in cell fusion studies with NIH 3T3 cells, the effects of endogenous growth inhibitor(s) produced by resting cells may be revealed not earlier than by the 3rd day of serum depletion.