Tissue culture of Papaver bracteatum. III. Formation of thebaine in the suspension culture of Papaver bracteatum.

Abstract

Production of thebaine in the cells of Papaver bracteatum in serial subcultures was investigated by gas chromatographic analysis. The formation of thebaine in the cells was observed at an early stage of cell growth soon after induction. However, at a later stage, the concentration of thebaine in the cells was reduced to trace amounts. Growth of cells in media containing possible precursors, such as L-tyrosine and L-dopa appeared to stimulate thebaine formation to some extent. Addition of antiauxins to the media, such as trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, β-naphthoxyacetic acid and triiodobenzoic acid had little effect on its formation. Thebaine formation in the cell suspensions was significant when the cells grown in the hormone-free medium were subcultured at least three passages in this medium containing a supplement of 1mg/liter kinetin and 10% coconut milk.