The effect of nicotine on cell proliferation and synthesis of secreted proteins in BALB/C 3T3 cells.

The alkaloid nicotine induces a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation and morphological change when added to BALB/C 3T3 cells. Significant differences were observed between control and nicotine-treated cells with respect to the newly synthesized secreted proteins by using heparin-agarose column chromatography. Both the anticellular and protein synthesis modulating activities of nicotine were affected by the degree of confluence of cells, suggesting a complex mode of action of nicotine in mammalian cells.