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Levels of High Energy Phosphates in Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines by ³¹P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Northwestern University, Division of Medical Oncology, Evanston Hospital, Evanston, Illinois 60201 [R. H. K.]; NCI-Navy Medical Oncology Branch [D. N. C., J. D. M.]; and Clinical Pharmacology Branch, Biophysical Pharmacology Section [C. W. C., J. S. C.], National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Human lung cancers are divided into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on established criteria. SCLC differs from NSCLC by the expression of biomarkers, including creatine kinase-BB isoenzyme (EC 2.7.3.2). Subtypes of SCLC are referred to as classic and variant, both of which have elevated levels of creatine kinase-BB isoenzyme. We, therefore, applied ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to cell lines of classic SCLC, variant SCLC, and NSCLC human tumors, using continuous perfusion to identify any differences in the detectable levels of intracellular high-energy phosphate compounds. The spectra indicate that only the variant SCLC cells maintain high levels of phosphocreatine. Additionally, the classic SCLC cells express elevated levels of a diphosphodiester. Neither phosphocreatine nor diphosphodiesters are found in the NSCLC cell spectra.

¹ To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Division of Medical Oncology, Evanston Hospital, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.

² Present address: Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Eccles St., Dublin 7, Ireland 301122.

Received 9/26/86. Revised 3/19/87. Accepted 3/30/87.