Induction of plasminogen activator in cultured cells by macrocyclic plant diterpene esters and other agents related to tumor promotion.

In vitro systems that are responsive to tumor-promoting agents may facilitate the identification of such agents and the analysis of their mode of action. We have previously reported that the potent tumor promoter phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate induces the synthesis of the enzyme plasminogen activator in cultured chick embryo fibroblasts. We have, therefore, tested various compounds for their ability to induce plasminogen activator in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Among these, phorbol esters and other macrocyclic diterpene esters isolated from species of the families Euphorbiaceae and Thymelaeaceae were potent inducers of plasminogen activator. These compounds maximally induced enzyme to the same levels, although they differed in their relative molar potencies. Structural requirements for in vitro activity paralleled the requirements for activity in vivo. These results indicate that induction of plasminogen activator is a useful marker for the biologically active macrocyclic diterpene esters. On the other hand, tumor-promoting agents such as anthralin, cantharidin, Tween 60, and tobacco leaf extract failed to induce plasminogen activator.