Chalone

Chalone (from Greek: to abate) is a protein-sugar compound isolated primarily from the pig skin. Chalons are natural inhibitors of cell proliferation. They are formed in the tissue ( e.g. epidermis) in which they act and cause cell growth to stop (growth inhibition) once the specified organ shape has been reached.

Cells have the ability to divide indefinitely. Immediately after cell division (mitosis) it is decided whether the cells continue to divide or take up their specific function in the course of an ageing process, for example as liver, muscle or skin cells. In a healthy organism there is a finely balanced relationship between dividing and ageing cells. This ratio is influenced, among other things, by the respective chalone concentration in the tissue. Thus, injuries are accompanied by a reduction of the chalone concentration in the wound tissue.

Recent findings in molecular biochemistry with the detection of growth factors and growth inhibitors have completely pushed the term "chalon" into the background. More recent scientific publications no longer take it into account.

1. Paukovits WR (1975)Specificity and mechanism of action of the granulocyte chalon and its role in the regulatory system of granulopoiesis]. Osterr Z oncol. 2:51-56.