DNA degradation after interaction of cis- and trans-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) with calf thymus nuclei

DNA samples isolated from control nuclei and nuclei treated by cis- and trans-diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP) were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. There were no changes in Mr when DNA isolated from nuclei treated with trans-DDP was analyzed. Scans of DNA isolated from nuclei treated with cis-DDP revealed significant changes in Mr. This DNA bears, however, no signs of regular fragmentation. The possible involvement of endonuclease activity in the degradation process is discussed.