The surface properties of some neoplastic cells

Abstract

The effect of pH, ionic strength, and of anionic and cationic adsorption on various neoplastic cells is examined electrophoretically. Isoelectric points in the pH region 3.0[long dash]4-5 were found for the Ehrlich ascites-tumour cell, Klein lymphosarcoma and sarcoma 37. The cell surface of the Ehrlich ascites-tumour cell appears to absorb I- ion more than Cl- ion. Marked differences in the effect of various organic bases on the mobility of the tumor cells was observed. In particular, Antrycide and Prothidium at a concentration of 10 mM give a reduction of 30[long dash]50% in the mobility of the cells of the Ehrlich ascites tumour and sarcoma 37, whereas the analogues (which are biologically inactive) have a negligible effect. The organic bases show adsorption specificity on different cellmembranes. The total uptake of Prothidium by Ehrlich ascites cells is much greater than the amount adsorbed on the external membrane.