Biochemical studies of human (A549) and simian (CV1) cells labeled with 64Cu, 67Cu, and 125IUdR.

CV1 and A549 cells were grown in the presence of 64Cu porphyric complex, 64CuCl2, or 67CuCl2. Radioactive copper determinations were performed on whole cells and on isolated cellular DNA. 125IUdR was used to calibrate the particular extraction and purification procedures we developed because of the half-lives of 64Cu and 67Cu. The results obtained have shown that some radioactive copper atoms remained firmly bound to the DNA molecule. Their amount was of the same order when using two different DNA isolation methods for the two cell lines studied. No significant differences were found when 64Cu was used as CuCl2 or as porphyric complex.