SELECTIVE INCORPORATION OF L-3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE BY S-91 CLOUDMAN MELANOMA INVITRO

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 37  (7) , 2123-2125
Abstract
The incorporation of precursors of the biopigment melanin into melanotic and amelanotic S-91 Cloudman melanoma, mouse fibroblast L-929 and Chinese hamster ovary cells was studied. Tyrosine did not selectively accumulate in pigmented cells compared to that in nonpigmented control cells. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide provided an estimate of the partition of tyrosine between protein (95%) and pigment biosynthesis (5%). L-Dopa, a more proximal precursor of melanin, was selectively incorporated into pigmented cells up to 60 times that of control lines. .alpha.-Melanocyte stimulating hormone and theophylline, agents that enhance pigmentation, further increased the incorporation of L-dopa into melanocytic cells. A unique property of melanoma cells was defined that may permit a selective chemotherapeutic and diagnostic approach.