The effects of X-radiation on thymidine-transport kinetics and DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells in relation to extracellular thymidine concentration.

A TdR carrier-transport system, believed to be facilitated diffusion, has been shown to exist in Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. It is suggested that this system is the predominant transport mechanism at low extracellular concentrations (less than 1-5 micron). The transport system was damaged considerably by 5 krad X-radiation, resulting in a 30-35 per cent reduction in the initial total TdR uptake rat at low extracellular concentrations and 15-20 min after irradiation. The extent of the damage was dependent on the age of the cells as was reflected by relative decreases in V max and Km. It can be concluded that the enhanced depression in 14C-TdR incorporation into DNA of irradiated cells when low precursor concentrations were used for monitoring, is partly attributed to the radiation-induced damage to the carrier-transport system. The permeability constant for passive diffusion in asynchronous E.A.T. cells and the endogenous natural rate of dTTP synthesis in S-phase cells were estimated.