Nucleic acid metabolism of bladder carcinoma cells in vitro.

Nucleic acid metabolism was investigated to determine the metabolic activity of bladder carcinoma cells. Surgically obtained specimens were subjected to this investigation. Radio-active nucleic acid precursors, 14C-Formate via the de novo synthetic pathway, and 14C-Adenine via the salvage pathway, were used. Activities of bladder carcinoma cells were determined by their incorporation rates. The results were as follows: 14C-Formate incorporation was much higher in grade III bladder carcinoma cells than in the normal epithelium of the bladder; it was highest in stage B2 bladder carcinoma cells. 14C-Adenine was found to be incorporated into nucleic acid bases of bladder carcinoma cells. It was observed that as the grades and stages progressed, higher incorporation rates were observed. Comparison between the activities of de novo synthesis and salvage pathway was made. The latter was more active than the former in bladder carcinoma cells.