Spermine induces haemoglobin synthesis in murine erythroleukaemia cells

The naturally occurring polyamine spermine induces haemoglobin synthesis in murine erythroleukaemia (MEL) cells. Haemoglobin production was accompanied by accumulation of cytoplasmic β-globin mRNA and growth inhibition, but not by cell-cycle block or changes in cell volume. Hexamethylenebisacetamide (HMBA), a well known differentiating agent, also induces haemoglobin production, but causes a G₁ block and decreases cell volume. These findings indicate that HMBA and spermine affect MEL cells differently, even though both induce haemoglobin production.