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Identification of a thymic inhibitor (‘chalone’) of lymphocyte transformation as a spermine complex

Nature volume 267, pages 623–625 (1977)Cite this article

Abstract

CHALONES are defined as endogenous, tissue-specific but species nonspecific inhibitors of cell proliferation. Their potential use in the control of neoplasia is well recognised1–3. Circumstantial evidence for the existence of a lymphocyte chalone has been produced4–8, but neither its chemical nature nor its molecular weight have been satisfactorily ascertained. During our search for a lymphocyte chalone, an inhibitor of lymphocyte transformation has been reproducibly isolated from porcine thymic tissue. We report here that though the inhibitor was non-dialysable, its active moiety was identified biologically and chemically as spermine, molecular weight only 202. This accords with the formation in thymic extracts of a tightly bound spermine complex. As the complex displayed some tissue specificity it is possible that an unidentified tissue-specific material acts as a carrier for spermine. In relatively crude extracts of tissues it is probable that spermine-elicited inhibition swamps any authentic chalone activity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biochemistry Research Unit, North E Wales Institute, Kelsterton College, Connah's Quay, Clwyd, UK

    J. C. ALLEN, C. J. SMITH & M. C. CURRY

  2. Gray Laboratory (Clinical Research Centre), Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK

    J. M. GAUGAS

Authors
  1. J. C. ALLEN
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  2. C. J. SMITH
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  3. M. C. CURRY
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  4. J. M. GAUGAS
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ALLEN, J., SMITH, C., CURRY, M. et al. Identification of a thymic inhibitor (‘chalone’) of lymphocyte transformation as a spermine complex. Nature 267, 623–625 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/267623a0

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