Pixel-to-pixel correlation between images of absolute ATP concentrations and blood flow in tumours

Iodo(14C-)antipyrine autoradiography and imaging bioluminescence have been combined to obtain pixel-to-pixel correlations between absolute values for local blood flow and ATP concentrations at a microscopical level within designated areas in hamster melanomas. Positive pixel-to-pixel correlations were obtained in 4 of 6 tumours. Both flow and ATP values were less in mostly necrotic than in mostly viable tumour regions. The data provide evidence for the energetic state of cancer cells being strongly influenced by the efficiency of tumour microcirculation in several but not in all malignancies investigated.