Effects of ethanol, CBD and delta 'THC on proliferation of K-562 cells.

The effect of ethanol and cannabinoids on proliferation of the leukaemic cell line K-562 is described. The effects on the cells were assessed by counts of viable cells and 3H thymidine incorporation. delta 'THC was found to attenuate the proliferation of K-562 cells, the effect being prominent at 10(-4)M. CBD was effective only at high concentrations or after prolonged incubation time. Both drugs were dissolved in 0.3% ethanol solution; ethanol itself caused a biphasic effect, namely a mild increase in K562 proliferation at low concentrations and a marked attenuation at higher concentrations.