Phenotypic stability of B16-BL6 melanoma exposed to low levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine

Anticancer Res. 1990 Sep-Oct;10(5A):1313-8.

Abstract

We previously demonstrated that tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe) restriction suppresses metastatic heterogeneity of B16-BL6 (BL6) melanoma and selects for tumor variants with decreased metastatic potential. In this study, we investigate stability of this Tyr- and Phe-modulated tumor phenotype by sequentially transplanting BL6 in vivo into mice fed Low Tyr and Phe Diet. Metastatic potential of BL6 is suppressed after one subcutaneous passage. Suppression is unlikely to result from inhibition of tumor growth, since growth in vitro is significantly increased. The metastatic potential of the Tyr- and Phe-modulated tumor is unstable after in vivo passage, and lung colonizing ability is regenerated after ten in vivo passages. Conversely, the antimetastatic effect of Tyr and Phe restriction is stable after prolonged in vitro passage. The metastatic potential of tumors from mice fed Normal Diet is unstable after long-term in vitro culture. Sensitivity to adriamycin of BL6 from mice fed Low Tyr and Phe Diet is increased and is not altered by change in metastatic potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Cell Communication
  • Female
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Metastasis*
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Phenotype
  • Phenylalanine / pharmacology*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Tyrosine / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Tyrosine
  • Phenylalanine