Adenine nucleotide content of thymoma-derived lymphocytes.
Purine and pyrimidine metabolites are essential substances for cells. We have measured the adenine nucleotide (AN) contents of thymocytes from 15 human thymomas, 11 adjacent non-neoplastic thymuses and 3 children's thymuses. There was no significant difference in AN content of thymocytes between thymoma and children's thymus. But, AN content of adjacent non-neoplastic thymuses was significantly lower than that of thymoma or children's thymus. In mixed type thymoma, ATP content in thymocytes was significantly higher than that in lymphocytic type thymoma. These data indicate that thymocytes in thymoma may show further T cell maturation probably associated with the functional microenvironment of the neoplastic epithelial cells just like the children's thymus.
Mizuno
Y
Y
Department of Internal Medicine, Ichikawa General Hospital, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba Pref., Japan.
Matsumaru
A
A
Ueno
M
M
Kobayashi
K
K
Ebihara
Y
Y
Funatsu
K
K
Tsuchiya
M
M
D000227:Adenine Nucleotides / Q000032:analysis*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D013945:Thymoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology
D000227:Adenine Nucleotides