Absorption and transition of [8-14C]adenosine and 2',3'-O-isopropylidene adenosine by Zaidel hepatomas and their homogenates

Transformation and uptake of 8-14C]-adenosine and its synthetic analog 2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine was studied in Zajdel hepatoma cells and their homogenates. Uptake and deamination of adenosine and 2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine by Zajdel hepatoma cells proceed differently. A small part of adenosine is phosphorylated and then it is included into biosynthesis of polymer substances. The uptake and deamination of 2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine by hepatoma cells occurs more intensively than uptake and deamination of adenosine. The formed 2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine is not splitted by purine nucleoside phosphorylase and is accumulated in cells in the incubation medium that lead to cell death. The same rate of 2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine deamination in cells and their homogenates indicates its high penetrability through plasma membranes. The high uptake of 2',3'-O-isopropylideneadenosine contrary to adenosine leads to deaggregation of cells and their destruction.