[Amines and pteridines]

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) play important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, and have been established as tumors markers. We and other workers have confirmed that N1-acetylspermidine in tumor tissues, spermidine and spermine in erythrocytes, and N1,N12-diacetylspermine in urine might be the most sensitive indicators for various forms of tumors. Neopterin is a marker of cell-mediated immunostimulation, and may be a helpful marker in monitoring cancer patients. HPLC and immunological assays of neopterin, biopterin, and N2-(3-aminopropyl)biopterin(oncopterin) in urine might be useful in the clinical study of pteridines, as cancer markers. Serum 5-S-cysteinyldopa level is a useful and specific biochemical marker for malignant melanoma.