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In vivo Complex Formation of Actinomycin D and Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Nature volume 211, pages 84–85 (1966)Cite this article

Abstract

ACTINOMYCIN D (AMD) has been shown to inhibit the ribonucleic acid (RNA)-polymerase activity of bacterial cells. This inhibition is considered, at present, to represent the sole mechanism by which this agent inhibits cell division1. It appears to result from the formation of complexes between the antibiotic and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)2. Following parenteral administration to animals the antibiotic appears to possess similar activity, but differs in that high doses are required and the effects are reversible3. When administered to rats which have undergone partial hepatectomy, the expected subsequent mitotic activity can be eliminated4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pathology and Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York

    FREDERICK F. BECKER, ANN A. MARGOLIS & WALTER TROLL

Authors
  1. FREDERICK F. BECKER
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  2. ANN A. MARGOLIS
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  3. WALTER TROLL
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BECKER, F., MARGOLIS, A. & TROLL, W. In vivo Complex Formation of Actinomycin D and Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Nature 211, 84–85 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/211084a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/211084a0

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