[Modification of DNA-specific methylation in tissues of healthy and tumor bearing (sarcoma 45) rats under the effect of an active alkylating cancerolytic agent].

The content of 5-methyl cytosine (5-MC) in the DNA preparations from organs and tissues of healthy and tumour-bearing (sarcoma 45) rats and the effect of an alkylating cancerolytic agent on DNA methylation in vivo were studied. The 5-MC content in the DNA preparations from liver, spleen and testicles of tumour-bearing rats and tumour cells was increased, the maximal increase being observed in liver and spleen DNAs (1,71 and 1,70 mol.%, respectively) and in sarcoma DNA (1,93 mol.%) on the 8th post-inoculation day. On the 8th and 15th day following daily injections of the cancerolytic agent the 5-MC content in the DNAs from liver and spleen of the control animals was decreased in a number of cases almost down to normal level (1,00 mol.%). Tumour DNA did not differ from normal tissue DNA with respect to Tmelt and GC content; however, its differential melting curve revealed an additional "shoulder" within the temperature range of 56--60 degrees, which was partly removed after addition of the cancerolytic agent. It was assumed that the changes in the methylation level and secondary structure of DNA can be due to the cancerolytic activity of the preparation.