Application

Used to precipitate DNA from low salt aqueous buffers.

Spermine tetrahydrochloride was used to precipitate DNA for flow cytometric analysis from fresh frozen breast cancer tissue, archival tissue of salivary gland, renal and thyroid tumors and red blood cells of chicken.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Mixed NMDA agonist/antagonist at the polyamine site. Neuroprotective effects have been observed at high concentrations (1 mM), while neurotoxicity is observed at lower concentrations. It enhances agonist effectiveness at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site. Plays a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation; inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).

Mixed NMDA agonist/antagonist at the polyamine site. Plays a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation; inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).

Spermine, a polyamine, is derived from spermidine and is required for cell growth in eukaryotes. It acts as regulator of gene expression, inhibits DNA damage and protects the cells from damage by acting as free radical scavenger. In proteomics studies, spermine mediates rapid crystallization of DNA-binding proteins.

Preparation Note

Spermine tetrahydrochloride yields clear, colorless to light yellow solution in water at 100 mg/ml.