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