Dimethylsulfoxide Reduces the X-ray-induced G₂ Delay in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Abstract

The effects of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on radiation-induced G₂ delay and on each stage in mitotic phase were studied. The G₂ delay was reduced by the postirradiation treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cells by over 2%. DMSO at 2% had no effect on the progression of the cells through metaphase, anaphase or telophase, when added after mechanical collection of cells at the mitotic phase. DMSO over 5%, and particularly over 7%, led to a retardation at metaphase, with little effect on anaphase or telophase.