Polyamines and nucleic acids in gestational trophoblastic tumors
Romano, M.; Cecco, L.; Cerra, M.; Pasquinelli, R.; Pagnano, A.M.; Paladini, A.
Tumori 71(1): 35-38
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8916 PMID: 2984816 Document Number: 264615
To test the relationship between tumor malignancy and content and distribution of polyamines and nucleic acids, 2 forms of human gestational trophoblastic tumors were examined: the hydatidiform mole (self-limited form) and the human choriocarcinoma (invasive form) xenografted into nude mice. There are 2 significant differences apparent between the choriocarcinoma and the mole: the choriocarcinoma is characterized by increased polyamine and nucleic acid levels; and the 2 tissues differ in their putrescine:spermidine and spermidine-spermine ratios. There is an increase in polyamines in the urine of mole-bearing patients over that of normal controls. The correlation between putrescine and spermidine with the chorionic gonadotropin indicates that these 2 polyamines reflect the biological activity of the mole.