| Abstract: | The content of 5'-methylcytosine in total DNA of mouse liver increases 2--2,5-fold 3 hrs after a single intraperitoneal injection of antioxidant (4-methyl-2,6-ditretbutylphenol) (20 or 60 mg per 1 kg of body weight) and makes up to 2--2.4 mol.%. The methylation of liver DNA is also increased more than 2-fold in Ehrlich ascite carcinoma. The DNA isolated from mouse liver after administration of antioxidant or during cancer growth markedly differs from liver DNA of intact animals in its CH3-accepting ability under in vitro methylation by the methylase complex from Enterobacter cloacea. The changes in DNA methylation in mouse liver under the effects of antioxidant and in Ehrlich ascite carcinoma are correlated with the changes in the antioxidant activity of liver nuclear lipids. |
