Polyamine levels in human gastric carcinoma.

The results of experiments from several cell systems support the hypothesis that a connection exists between increased biosynthesis of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) and cellular growth. We have studied the polyamine levels and the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (a rate-limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine synthesis) in human gastric carcinoma. Putrescine and spermidine levels were significantly elevated as compared with corresponding 'normal' gastric mucosa. The enzyme activity was also higher in neoplastic tissue, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. The present results may be interpreted to support the suggested role of polyamines in rapid tissue growth as represented by human gastric carcinoma.