Induction of differentiation in human promyelocytic leukemia cells by tumor promoters.

Phorbol diester tumor promoters and the promoter mezerein convert human promyelocytic leukemia cells in culture into adherent, nonproliferating cells with many of the characteristics of macrophages. Other types of promoters such as anthralin, phenobarbital, and saccharin do not have this effect. Various compounds that can inhibit some of the biological and biochemical effects of tumor promoters do not interfere with the induction of cell adherence and differentiation by the effective promoters.