The effect of caffeine on the duration of the mitotic phase cycle in CHO-K1 Chinese hamster cells, irradiated with x-rays

Alterations in the duration of mitotic cycle phases in X-irradiated Chinese hamster cells CHO K1 after caffeine (CF) treatment are studied. Delays in S- and G2-phases, induced by 1 and 5 Gr of X-irradiation, are partially or completely decreased by 1 mM or 5 mM CF, respectively. When CF is removed from the medium after irradiation, delays in S- and G2-phases are seen again, however long (0-12 hours) CF remains in the medium. The data obtained allow to suggest that since CF results in a radioresistant DNA synthesis, it may also postpone delays in S- and G2-phases, while cells are progressing through the cell cycle.