Polyamines in murine splenic lymphocytes.

Diacetyldiamines cause compromised B-lymphocyte function, as evidenced by our previous demonstration of inhibition of mitogen activation and decreased secretion of immunoglobulin in murine spleen cultures. In this study, we report that putrescine and spermidine are differentially metabolized by the cell. Diacetyldiamine, which is also taken up by these cells and metabolized, causes a striking decrease in cell uptake of exogenous putrescine and spermidine. We also report for the first time that several distinct macromolecules containing radioactive polyamines may be resolved, and that hypusine is present in more than one species of macromolecule.