Synchronisation of cancer cell lines of human origin using methotrexate

U937 human histiocytic lymphoma cell line and SW626 ovarian carcinoma line of human origin were synchronised using very low, nontoxic concentrations (0.04-0.08 microM for 16-24 h) of methotrexate (MTX) under standard culture conditions. Satisfactory synchrony was achieved to study S phase events. Various kinetic behaviours and biological properties of the synchronised cells are considered for characterisation of the system. MTX-synchronisation was compared with that induced by aphidicolin (APC) alone and by serum deprivation and APC. In some cancer cell lines MTX appears to be the best choice for obtaining highly synchronised cell populations without cytotoxicity or physiological perturbations.