Studies on thein VitroUptake of Polyamines by Girardi Heart Cells

The uptake of spermine and spermidine in human heart cells in culture has been studied. Spermidine was accumulated to a higher degree than spermine whereas more spermine was absorbed to the cell surface. The results indicate that the uptake of spermidine and spermine is mediated by a common carrier. In addition, spermine enters the cells by several other transport mechanisms. The accumulated polyamines were not removed by washing with spermine or spermidine solutions, but they were released by treatment of the cells with butanol.