A comparison of the effects of the optical isomers of isoproterenol on energy metabolism in a mouse sarcoma

Summary Disturbance to energy production in the S180 sarcoma (CB) by optical isomers of isoproterenol was assessed from altered adenine nucleotide levels at 1 h. The L-isomer almost halved the ATP level and lowered the energy charge significantly; the D-isomer was inactive. Dependence of tumor injury on cytochrome P-450 activity appears unlikely.One of us (GRNJ) thanks the Department of Surgery, Medical School, Kings's College Hospital, London, England, for the provision of experimental facilities; the Institute of Biochemistry, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, FRG, for permitting the measurement of metabolites; the Cancer Research Campaign, London, UK, for a part-time grant; and Zyma GmbH, München, FRG, and the estate of the late Dr Lucie Polak for additional financial support.