Über Beziehungen zwischen Kohlenhydratstoffwechsel und Adenylsäuresystem bei der Ehrlich-Ascitestumorzelle

Abstract

A synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and hexose phosphate esters occurs in the cells of Erlich ascites tumor in vitro on the addition of glucose. The rate and velocity of synthesis are approximately equal under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. In contrast, on the addition of lactate, pyruvate and carbon acids of the citric acid cycle, under the same conditions, notwithstanding maximal respiration a progressive decrease in energy-rich phosphate compounds occurs. The degradation leads to the death of the cells within 10-15 hours depending on their initial concentration. Since respiration is fully effective energetically a quantitative unbalance of energy formation and energy expenditure must be considered as the cause. The energy deficit is removed by the addition of ADP and fructose-1,6-diphosphate. A continuous decrease in respiration follows the decline in ATP content with lack of glucose. A linear relation between the respiratory quotient and ATP content up to a QO 2, of 12 was found in ascites cells with normal amounts of nucleotide, as also in cells with an ATP content reduced by lack of substrate or increased by the addition of ATP. ATP limits the rate of respiration. There is a competition for ATP between the hexokinase reaction and the oxidative phase. The distribution favors the hexokinase reaction.