Lack of dihydrofolate reductase in human tumor and leukemia cells in vivo.

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the main target for methotrexate and other antifolate compounds was found to be present in 100-200 times higher concentration in human cell lines grown in vitro than in human tumors or cells obtained in situ. The DHFR content of human cell lines in vitro however were equivalent to rodent tumor lines also measured in vitro. The enzyme was quantitated by [3H]methotrexate binding, [3H]dihydrofolate reduction to [3H]tetrahydrofolate, and immunoprecipitation with a monospecific anti-serum to DHFR. Additional studies revealed only a liver sample to contain significant amounts of an inhibitor of DHFR activity. It is postulated either that low levels of DHFR in fresh human tissue reflect low cell turnover or conversely that high levels in vitro and in animal tissues reflect high levels of enzyme due to selection because of high levels of folic acid in culture medium and prepared feeds.