2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid effects on polyamine biosynthesis

Abstract

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a herbicide extensively used in agriculture. It was considered of interest to study its toxicity on animal cells. We had previously determined that 1 mM 2,4-D can inhibit cell growth, DNA and protein synthesis of cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) with cell accumulation in the G1/S interphase of the cell cycle. The present work examined the effects of 2,4-D on polyamine biosynthesis. The results suggest some possible mechanism of the herbicide's toxic effects on animal cells.