Abstract

Morphological changes in HeLa cells produced by hydrocortisone sodium succinate have been correlated with certain biochemical changes. The principal morphological changes were increased cell and nuclear size. This was associated with a significant reduction in the number of cells developing from a uniform inoculum. Although the cell population was reduced, the protein and RNA per cell increased 45% and 50%, respectively. When calculated on a per flask basis, the protein increased 20% and the RNA 12%. Significant changes in DNA were not observed. The reduction in the cell number produced by hydrocortisone sodium succinate is apparently related to its antimitotic action as the 10-hour mitotic index dropped to approximately 44% of the colchicine control value. This antimitotic action of the steroid was effectively blocked by pilocarpine in a concentration that in itself had no effect on mitosis.