[Effect of polyethylene oxide 400 on the mitotic regimen of human peripheral blood leukocytes in culture].

The effect of different concentrations of cryoprotectant polyethylene oxide (PEO-400) on the mitotic activity of human peripheral blood leucocytes was found to decrease the mitotic activity with a simultaneous increase in the metaphase number as the concentrations of PEO-400 grew. These changes were due to the general mechanism of PEO-400 action associated with its dehydrating and osmotic properties.