Malignant transformation by the DNA-protein crosslinking agent trans-Pt(II) diamminedichloride

Trans-Pt(II) diamminedichloride (trans-Pt) produced high levels of DNA-protein crosslinks in mouse C3H-10T1/2 cells and mouse 3T3 cells. Trans-Pt induced malignant transformation in these cell types at all doses tested. In 10T1/2 cells trans-Pt induced moderate levels of transformation similar to that induced by equitoxic doses of X-rays. Trans-Pt did not act as a tumor promoter and enhance the transformation frequency seen with X-rays when cells were irradiated and then treated with this agent.