COMPETITION BETWEEN AMINO ACIDS FOR TRANSPORT INTO EHRLICH ASCITES CARCINOMA CELLS

Abstract

The cumulative entry of amino acids into Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells is due to the presence of active transport systems, each with its own specific range of substrates. Several amino acids and amino acid analogues may have an affinity for the same transport system and thus may inhibit transport of other amino acids by acting as competitive inhibitors or competitive substrates. Loss of methionine from ascites cells takes place by a diffusion process which obeys Fick's law. Leucine accumulation by ascites cells is small and is increased on addition of certain other amino acids. The increase is not due to inhibition of leucine oxidation as increase in the rate of production of radioactive carbon dioxide from labeled leucine also occurs. Kinetic aspects of these results are discussed.