The cell population kinetics and response to an S-phase specific agent of three transplantable colon tumor lines

The relative cell population kinetics of three transplantable murine colon tumor lines (Colon 26, 36 and 38) with different histological and metastatic characteristics were studied in relation to the response of each line to an S-phase specific agent. The mean doubling times for the three lines between 0.1 and 1.0 g are similar (4.2 days) but marked differences are apparent in times to tumor appearance (0.1 g) and in median days to death. The length of the cell cycle is about one day and the length of the S-phase 10-11 hr for Colon 36 and 38. The length of the cell cycle in Colon 26 is difficult to estimate by conventional methods but probably exceeds 24 hr and the S-phase is 10-11 hr; [3H]TdR pulse labeling indices for Colon 36 and 38 decrease with time and tumor size from about 0.45 in 0.1 to 0.2 g tumors to about 0.33 at 3 g. The decrease in the [3H]TdR labeling index for Colon 26 is more pronounced (from about 0.38 at 0.1 g to 0.21 at 1.0 g). The shapes of the PLM curves and the [3H]TdR labeling index data are consistent with the observed sensitivity to an S-phase specific agent (Palmo-AraC, NSC 135962) in Colon 36 and the minimal response observed in Colon 26. Colon 38 is intermediate between Colon 36 and Colon 26 in kinetic properties and in response to the S-phase agent.