Action of acridines on RNA and protein synthesis and on active transport in chick embryo cells

Abstract

Acridine derivatives containing a primary amino group inhibit RNA and protein synthesis in chick-embryo cells without interfering with the labelling of the acid-soluble uridine derivatives by [ 14C]uridine. Acridines with a secondary or tertiary amino group or with a hydrazine group, and pyronine, strongly inhibit the formation of [ 14C]uridine phosphates. As with acridine orange, this effect is due to an inhibition of the active transport of [ 14C]-uridine into the cells. Penetration of actinomycin or actidione into the cells is not prevented by acridine orange, nor are [ 14C]uridine phosphates lost from pre-labelled cells in the presence of acridine orange. Acridine derivatives without an amino group, or compounds with two heteroatoms in the middle ring like methylene blue or neutral red, have no significant effect on RNA and protein synthesis and on the labelling of the acid-soluble pool.