[Effect of methotrexate on cell growth and the production of hCG, beta-hCG and SP-1 in cultured choriocarcinoma cell lines].

Three choriocarcinoma cell lines (BeWo, GCH-2 and SCH) cultured in MTX or MTX-free medium were investigated with respect to cell growth and production of hCG, beta-hCG and specific beta-1-glycoprotein (SP-1). MTX was administered at the concentration of 10(-8), 10(-7), 10(-6), 10(-5)M for 24 hours, 72 hours and 168 hours from the fourth day of culture. Each cell line demonstrated that the cell growth and production of hCG and beta-hCG were dose, rather than time, dependent. 10(-6)M or more of MTX had a distinct effect, but 10(-7) or less of MTX had little effect. SP-1 was produced at a low level during culture regardless of the medium used. The ratio of the extra- to the intracellular hCG level was shown to be about 100:1 after the administration of MTX to BeWo and GCH-2. It is, therefore, possible that the temporary elevation of the hCG level observed in vitro after treatment with MTX is the result of an increase in secretion of hCG, rather than cellular damage.