Polyamines in cystic fibrosis.

Polyamine concentrations have been measured in blood samples from a series of 
cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and control subjects. Analyses were made by 
a fluorometric method, in which the amines were reacted with dansyl 
chloride and separated by thin layer chromatography on Kieselguhr. There was 
no significant difference between the polyamine concentrations of blood samples from 
CF patients and control subjects. Also, the spermidine-spermine ratio was similar 
in both groups. Polyamines were also analyzed in exocrine fluids, and 
although none could be detected in either CF or control sweat 
or saliva, significant amounts of spermine and spermidine were present in 
all samples of bile and duodenal fluids. It thus seems likely 
that the biliary route is a significant pathway in the human 
for excretion of polyamines. The observation that polyamines are excreted in 
considerable concentrations via the bile in children may be of interest 
in view of the reports of elevated urinary polyamine concentrations in 
neoplastic states. Since measurable amounts of spermine and spermidine were detected 
in all six bile preparations available for this study, analysis of 
these substances in bile may be of benefit in particular cases. 
