[Various aspects of the biological role of polyamines in normal and malignant growth]

The data on location of polyamines (spermine, spermidine, putrescine) in cells of different tissues and organs, intracellular polyamines distribution and the factors controlling polyamine metabolism are reviewed. Certain aspects of a regulatory role of polyamines in nucleic acid and protein synthesis and of changes in the activity of the enzymes participating in the synthesis and degradation of polyamines in the neoplastic growth are dealth with. The data available in literature and the results of the authors own investigations concerning the use of the polyamine test for diagnosis and evaluation of malignant tumours treatment efficiency are presented.