Dexamethasone-induced chromosome number alterations in cell culture

Abstract

Dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, has been used as a general inducer of cell differentiation and apoptosis in many cell lineages. To investigate the cytogenetic traits of cell cultures in the presence of DEX, we analysed the chromosome numbers of three cell populations: human lymphocytes, a diploid cell lineage (V-79) and an aneuploid cell lineage (Vero). Chromosome number was then compared among the cells grown in the presence and absence of DEX. The polyploid index reached 13.4% in Vero cells and 11.4% in V-79 cells with DEX. Without DEX, Vero cells showed 5.6% polyploidy and V-79 cells 1% polyploidy. We did not find any alterations in chromosome number for lymphocytes following culture in DEX. Thus we propose that this glucocorticoid may act differently in lymphocytes as compared with established cell lineages where it induces alterations in chromosome number and the later development of polyploid cells. Med Sci Res 27:219-221 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.