Effects of isoproterenol and cyclic AMP derivatives on cell division in cultured rat lenses

Changes in proliferative activity in epithelial cells of rat lenses maintained in organ culture for 24 hours have been characterized, and the effects of isoproterenol (IPR) and cyclic adenosine-3',5'-monophosphate(cAMP) derivatives added to the culture medium have been studied. Transient mitotic inhibition occurred within the first few hours of incubation with IPR as well as with monobutyryl and dibutyryl cAMP. Propranolol blocked the action of IPR. Suppression of cell division was initiated in the Gt period of the cell cycle without any indication of a d inhibition. The results of these experiments demonstrate that stimulation of beta receptors in the isolated lens by IPR and elevation of cAMP levels can directly affect cell proliferation in the epithelium.