The effect of UV irradiation on proliferation and life span of human diploid fibroblast-like cells.

The effect of low dose UV irradiation on the reinitiation of proliferative activity and on the life span of human diploid fibroblast-like cells is described. Cells were exposed to UV at confluence or after maintenance in an arrested state. Cell division was stimulated immediately after UV irradiation or after an additional post-UV incubation period. Arrested populations of all in vitro ages exhibited a greater sensitivity to UV and the reinitiation of proliferation was enhanced by post-UV incubation before stimulation. Ultraviolet light had no effect on life span regardless of in vitro cell age, culture state at the time of exposure, or the presence of a postirradiation period of arrest.