Elevation in putrescine level and spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase activity coincide with tumor development in 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon.

Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT), rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine interconversion, has been demonstrated to play an important role in malignant transformation of cells. We examined the involvement of altered polyamine metabolism in the colonic carcinogenesis, using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rat colon tumor model. Following findings were obtained: i) Ornithine decarboxylase demonstrated high activity from the early phase in colon mucosa, and increased significantly in tumors. ii) Spermidine and spermine levels gradually elevated in DMH-treated mucosa, while putrescine increased significantly in tumor tissues. iii) SSAT activity increased gradually in DMH-treated colon mucosa, which preceded elevation of tissue putrescine level, and coincided with tumor development. In conclusion, elevation of putrescine level and induction of SSAT activity are suggested to have a close association in colonic carcinogenesis.