Effect of Phenytoin on DNA Synthesis by Human Bone Marrow

Abstract

Diphenylhydantoin (phenytoin), when incubated with human marrow cells, interfered with the synthesis of DNA. This interference was dose related but was present at all concentrations, 25 .mu.g/ml-100 .mu.g/ml. Cells unable to complete DNA synthesis would die in the marrow, lead to ineffective hemopoiesis and an increased folate requirement.