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Observations of Self-induced Mitosis and Autosynchrony in Sarcoma Cell Networks

Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Langley Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, Virginia 23365

Observations of groups of mouse sarcoma cells (L-929 clone) in vitro by means of time-lapse cinephotography using micro lagoons have revealed that the cells become linked into syncytial networks by intercellular bridges. These bridges are formed both by incomplete cytokinesis of dividing cells and by external merger of surface pseudopodia. In such networks the division of any one cell was seen to initiate a mitotic stimulus which traveled outward via the bridge connections to neighboring cells and induced them to divide. A chain reaction of self-induced mitoses spreading sequentially outward from the initiating cell was thus established. Proof of the cytoplasmic continuity of the bridges was demonstrated by direct hypotonic coalescence of connected cells through the bridge channel. Although insufficient data are presently available regarding the actual involvement of such bridges in malignant tumors, the observed process of mitotic induction through cell bridges clearly constitutes, in principle, a potential mechanism for cancerous proliferation in vivo. Cited observations on the natural and induced formation of giant cells by coalescence of connected cells in malignant cultures also offer a possible explanation of the source of giant cells characteristically found in malignant tissues.

Received 1/ 8/68. Accepted 5/ 3/68.