The effect of CO, KCN and NaN 3 on the nucleic acid content of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

Abstract

Ehrlich ascites cells were treated in vivo with a 2% aqueous solution of carbon monoxide or KCN or NaN 3. On the ninth day after transplantation the quantity of ascitic fluid, the number and average size of cells and the total packed cell volume (TPCV) were determined. Nucleic acid fractions of the cells were isolated and measured on the basis of their phosphorous content. Smears of the cells were stained with methyl-green pyronin and by the Feulgen method. It was found that after treatment with carbon monoxide the nucleic acid content of the cells increased similarly to that already shown for yeast cells. After treatment with KCN or NaN 3 the nucleic acid content of the cells decreased.