Induction of differentiation in mouse neuroblastoma cells.

In the presence of 1--2% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), mouse neuroblastoma cells are induced to differentiate morphologically as well as electrically. In addition, treatment of neurolbastoma cells with 2% DMSO results in a marked increase in the veratridine-activated K+ or Rb+ efflux. At 4% DMSO, neurite outgrowth is completely repressed and electrical activity is poorly developed. However, at this concentration, the cells have a relatively high resting potential which suggested that membrane components determining passive and active permeability properties are not necessarily under coordinated control. Induction of differentiation by 2% DMSO is also accompanied by an increase in a heavier molecular form of acetylcholinesterase sedimenting at 10.5S. The effect of other agents on the growth and differentiation of neuroblastoma cells is also presented.