Metabolism of nucleic acids in hepatomas with a different degree of differentiation.

A comparative study was made of the metabolism of nucleic acids in hepatomas with a different degree of differentiation (46, 60, and 22A), liver, and regenerating liver. A direct correlation was found between the initial rate of incorporation of [14C]thymidine into DNA and the maximum growth rate of the hepatomas and regenerating liver. An increase of the specific DNA content as the hepatomas deviated from the normal liver is shown. A direct relation was found between the value of the RNA/DNA ratio and maximum growth rate of the hepatomas. A study of the catabolism of nucleic acids revealed inhibition of the breakdown of nucleic acids of hepatomas in comparison with a number of normal tissues, except liver tissues. The possible cause of these phenomena are discussed.