The synthesis and turnover of spermidine and spermine in mouse brain

Following the administration to mice of radiolabeled putrescine by intraventricular injection, changes in the specific radioactivity of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine have been measured. Putrescine decline was biphasic, being more rapid over the first 12 hr(t 1/2 = 5 hr) than over the remainder of the 48-hr period (t 1/2 = 11 hr) that significant labeling was detected. Spermidine was rapidly labeled during the decline in putrescine radioactivity and maximum incorporation of label occurred at 18 hr. Subsequently, spermidine specific activity declined with a half-life of 22 days. Spermine synthesis was slower, with maximum labeling occurring after 4 days. Spermine turnover, measured at a time when spermidine radioactivity had substantially declined, was extremely slow (t 1/2 = 92 days). The data supports the view that putrescine is a precursor of spermidine which in turn is required for spermine synthesis.