The effects of fluoride on cell growth of two human cell lines and on DNA and protein synthesis in HeLa cells

The effect of sodium fluoride on the growth of two continuous human cell lines, i.e. HeLa cells and human conjunctiva clone 1-5C-4 cells, was studied. The growth of HeLa cells and clone 1-5C-4 cells was arrested nearly completely by the addition of 0.95 and 1,90 mM of sodium fluoride, respectively. DNA synthesis in HeLa cells, determined by incorporation of 3H-thymidine, was not affected appreciably for the first 24-hr period after the addition of sodium fluoride. Markedly reduced incorporation, however, occurred during the next 24-hr period. Thus, there was a discrepancy between the immediate cessation of cell division and the delayed suppression of DNA synthesis. On the other hand, a suppressive effect of sodium fluoride on protein synthesis determined by 14C-leucine incorporation was evident already during the first 24-hr period. The results indicate that the inhibition of protein synthesis is the main cause of growth inhibition.