RNA Metabolism in Normal and Leukaemic Leucocytes: Further Studies on RNA Synthesis

Abstract

S ummary The Synthesis of RNA * has been investigated in leucocytes isolated from the blood of normal subjects and patients with leukaemia. In addition to ribosomal and soluble RNA, white cells make a rapidly labelled RNA with properties of messenger RNA. RNA synthesis in leukaemic cells is sensitive to pancreatic ribonuclease and actinomycin D, thereby offering evidence in favour of DNA‐dependent RNA synthesis in these cells. Leucocytes from some patients with leukaemia manifest a two‐ to five‐fold increase in uridine incorporation into RNA when compared to normal cells. Inhibition of RNA synthesis in leucocytes by alkylating agents administered in vivo or in vitro was observed.