Computer analysis of sub-parameters of depurination and depolymerization rate constants in Feulgen DNA hydrolysis

Feulgen DNA hydrolysis curves derived from cytofluorometry at various temperatures and HCl concentrations were computer analyzed with least squares fit to Bateman function. By comparing the depurination (k1) and depolymerization (k2) rate constants at different hydrolysis conditions, it was found that the two parameters of temperature and HCl concentration can be expressed as k = AN2 X exp (-B/T), where A and B are constants, N is the HCl concentrations, and T is the absolute temperature. From the analysis of Feulgen hydrolysis curves with 2N HCl at various temperatures, it was calculated that A = 5.3590 X 10(14) and B = 12133.543, for k1, and A = 6.2401 X 10(14) and B = 12181.660, for k2 for mouse 4C hepatocytes fixed with absolute methanol. Computer generated theoretical hydrolysis curves using the above k1 and k2 values were compared with experimental curves at various temperatures and HCl-concentrations. The two types of hydrolysis curves coincided with each other when 1-3 N HCl was used at temperatures between 30-40 degrees C. The peak times of hydrolysis curves at different conditions determined by experimental analysis and theoretical estimations also coincided reasonably well with each other. The physico-chemical phenomena underlying the equation designating k1 and k2 values are discussed.