Altered differentiation of mouse epidermal cells treated with retinyl acetate in vitro

Abstract

Mouse epidermal cells in monolayer culture retain many of the characteristics of differentiating epidermis in vivo. The addition of retinyl acetate dissolved in DMSO to the culture medium alters the direction of differentiation. Desmosome and tonofilament formation are inhibited. There is proliferation of Golgi complexes and endoplasmic reticulum. New or increased production of glycoprotein is suggested by cytochemical procedures. These effects are dose- and vehicle-dependent and require the continued presence of retinyl acetate. At a dose of 12.5 μg/ml of culture medium, retinyl acetate inhibits DNA synthesis. Retinyl acetate or a metabolite remains in the cells for more than 7 days after a single 18 h exposure.