Synthesis and Content of Polyamines in Bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei*

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Abstract
The sensitive dansyl procedure was used to detect putrescine and spermidine, but not spermine and cadaverine, in pleomorphic T. brucei [a mammalian parasite of veterinary importance]. The polyamines were synthesized in vitro from [3H]ornithine, [14C]arginine and [14C]methionine Proline, agmatine and citrulline, but not glutamine, glutamic Glu or pyroglutamic acid, stimulated spermidine formation from [14C]methionine. Putrescine and spermidine synthesis occurred rapidly from ornithine with putrescine synthesis peaking in 0.5 h and spermidine in 1 h. T. brucei assimilated exogenous 14C-labeled putrescine, spermidine and spermine; spermidine and spermine were taken up 5 times as rapidly as putrescine. Polyamine syntheses may be a practical target for novel trypanocides.