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Sequence-specific DNA alkylation of novel tallimustine derivatives.

Three different groups of analogs of the sequence-specific minor groove alkylator tallimustine (2) have been synthesized and investigated. Within group I, the dibromo nitrogen mustard (3) and the half-mustard (4) are more cytotoxic (IC50 = 0.6 and 40 ng/ml respectively) than tallimustine (IC50 = 50.3 ng/ml) against L1210 cells with high reactivity against the region 5'-TTTTGA. The diol derivative (6) and the difluoro nitrogen mustard (5) were not cytotoxic against L1210 cells and did not show any detectable DNA alkylation. The two compounds modified in the propionamidine terminus (7 and 8, group II), showed lower cytotoxic potency (IC50 = 130 and 94 ng/ml respectively) against L1210 cells than tallimustine (IC50 = 50.3 ng/ml) and a loss of in vitro sequence specificity for DNA alkylation. Considering the compounds in which the pyrrole rings were replaced by one (9) or two (10) pyrazole rings, compound 9 was not significantly cytotoxic against L1210 cell line and was apparently unable to produce alkylation on the DNA fragments tested, while compound 10 showed decreased cytotoxicity (IC50 = 114 ng/ml) and no modification in the pattern and intensity of DNA alkylation. The data obtained in this work suggest that it is possible to increase tallimustine potency by modifying the nitrogen mustard moiety. Moreover, the sequence specificity of DNA alkylation appears to be affected by the modification of the propionamidino moiety but not by the isosteric modification of the pyrrole rings. The correlation between cytotoxicity and alkylation pattern suggests that tallimustine exerts its cytotoxicity through DNA sequence-specific alkylation of the adenine located in the sequence 5'-TTTTGA.

Animals↗

Analysis of alkyl sulfates in protein solutions by isocratic and gradient ion chromatography.

An ion-chromatographic analysis for separation and quantitation of long-chain alkyl sulfates in both commercial samples of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (lauryl sodium sulfate) and protein solutions was developed. The separation was performed on a hydrophobic resin-based column utilizing tetrabutylammonium hydroxide as an ion-pair reagent and acetonitrile as an organic modifier. Sensitive and selective detection of alkyl sulfates was achieved with an anion suppressor and a conductivity detector. Gradient elution with acetonitrile was developed for the detection of a broad range of alkyl chain lengths (C-10--C-20) at high sensitivity. Because of the wide linear range of this method (0.2-700 micrograms/ml), trace levels of C-10, C-14, C-16, C-18, and C-20 alkyl sulfates can be accurately measured in the presence of high concentrations of C-12 alkyl sulfate (SDS). Thus the alkyl sulfate purity of commercial SDS solutions can be accurately and precisely determined without any sample treatment. For analysis of alkyl sulfates from protein solutions, sample treatment consisted of a one-step ion-pair extraction prior to chromatographic resolution and quantitation. Alkyl sulfates from 2-150 micrograms/ml were recovered in high yield from wide variety of protein solutions.

Chromatography↗

Plasmalogen biosynthesis in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells: selectivity in the acylation of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine and the subsequent desaturation step.

Acyl group specificity in the acylation of 1-alkyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (1-alkyl-2-lyso-GroPEtn) to form 1-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (1-alkyl-2-acyl-GroPEtn) and the subsequent desaturation of 1-alkyl-2-acyl-GroPEtn to form plasmalogens (1-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, i.e., 1-alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl-GroPEtn) was investigated in intact Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and cell-free membrane preparations. We found 1-[3H]alkyl-2-lyso-GroPEtn was selectively acylated with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the order 20:4 greater than 20:5 greater than 20:3 (n-9) greater than 22:6 by cell-free membrane preparations of MDCK cells. The same pattern of acyl specificity was seen in intact MDCK cells, although the intact cells produced significantly larger amounts of 1-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl-GroPEtn containing oleic acid. There was an increased desaturation of the 1-[3H]alkyl-2-acyl-GroPEtn species containing docosahexaenoic acid to plasmalogens (1-[3H]alk-1'-enyl-2-acyl-GroPEtn) by both intact MDCK cells and the cell-free membrane preparations. The relatively rapid disappearance of the 1-[3H]alk-1'-enyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-GroPEtn species during a 20-h incubation of prelabeled intact MDCK cells suggests a more rapid turnover of this molecular species. Our results indicate there is a high selectivity in the final acylation and desaturation steps of the biosynthetic pathway for plasmalogens.

Acylation↗

Spin-label studies on phosphatidylcholine-polar carotenoid membranes: effects of alkyl-chain length and unsaturation.

Spin-labeling methods were used to study the structure and dynamic properties of phosphatidylcholine (PC)-dihydroxycarotenoid membranes as a function of phospholipid alkyl chain length, alkyl chain saturation, temperature and mol fraction of carotenoids. (1) Dihydroxycarotenoids, zeaxanthin and violaxanthin increase order and decrease motional freedom of the lipid alkyl chains in fluid-phase PC membranes. The effect of carotenoids decreases as the alkyl chain length of saturated PC increases. (2) The abrupt changes of spin-label motion observed at the main-phase transition of the saturated PC membranes are broadened and shifted to lower temperatures. At a carotenoid concentration of 10 mol%, they disappear for short-chain PC membranes (12-14 carbons), but are still observed for long-chain PC membranes (18-22 carbons). (3) In fluid-phase PC membranes possessing short alkyl chains (12-14 carbons), the activation energy of the rotational diffusion of 16-doxylstearic acid spin label (16-SASL) is significantly lower at a carotenoid concentration of 10 mol%. The difference decreases as the alkyl-chain length increases. (4) The presence of unsaturated alkyl chains greatly reduces the effects of carotenoids on the mobility of the polar headgroups as observed with tempocholine dipalmitoylphosphatidic acid ester and on the order of alkyl chains near the polar headgroup region as observed with 5-doxylstearic acid spin label (5-SASL). The effect of unsaturation is, however, moderate in the membrane center as shown with 16-SASL. Also, the effect of carotenoids on the order and motion of the rigid and highly anisotropic molecules dissolved in the PC membranes is significantly greater in saturated PC membranes.

Carotenoids↗

Induction of cytochrome P450 isozymes in rat liver by methyl n-alkyl ketones and n-alkylbenzenes. Effects of hydrophobicity of inducers on inducibility of cytochrome P450.

The effects of methyl n-alkyl ketones and n-alkylbenzenes on hepatic cytochrome P450s in vivo and in vitro were investigated. Male rats were treated with acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl n-propyl ketone, methyl n-butyl ketone, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, or n-butylbenzene. The methyl n-alkyl ketones induced the metabolic activities of hepatic microsomes toward aminopyrine, 7-ethoxycoumarin, and aniline. n-Alkylbenzenes induced aminopyrine and 7-ethoxycoumarin metabolic activities. Testosterone 2 beta- and 6 beta-hydroxylation activities were induced by ketones with a long side chain such as methyl n-butyl ketone. Testosterone 2 alpha-hydroxylation activity was decreased by treatment with methyl n-butyl ketone. Testosterone 16 beta-hydroxylation activity was induced by treatment with methyl n-alkyl ketones. The inducibility was dependent on the length of the side chain. Testosterone 16 beta-hydroxylation activity also was induced by n-alkylbenzenes. These results indicate that the levels of multiple forms of cytochrome P450 were changed by treatment with these chemicals. P450IIE1, an acetone-inducible form, was induced by methyl n-alkyl ketones or n-alkylbenzenes. The inducibility did not depend on the length of the side chain of these chemicals. P450IIB1 and IIB2, both phenobarbital-inducible forms, were induced with methyl n-alkyl ketones and n-alkylbenzenes to an extent depending on the length of the side chain of these chemicals. Thus, the hydrophobicity of the inducer affected phenobarbital-type induction but not the induction of P450IIE1. We further investigated the interactions of ketone and benzene derivatives with cytochrome P450 in vitro. Testosterone hydroxylation activities of hepatic microsomes were measured in the presence of methyl n-alkyl ketones and n-alkylbenzenes. Methyl n-alkyl ketones inhibited testosterone 16 beta-hydroxylation activity. n-Alkylbenzenes inhibited 2 beta-, 6 beta-, 15 alpha-, 16 alpha-, and 16 beta-hydroxylation activities. Testosterone hydroxylation activities were inhibited by these chemicals depending on the length of the side chain. n-Alkylbenzenes were stronger inhibitors than methyl n-alkyl ketones, n-Butylbenzene was the strongest inhibitor of these activities. These results indicate that hydrophobicity was important in the interaction of these chemicals with cytochrome P450, and that there is some relationship between the inducibility of cytochrome P450 and its interaction with inducers.

Acetone↗

Comparison of mutagenicity and chemical properties of N-methyl-N'alkyl-N-nitrosoureas.

The mutagenic activities of 11 N-methyl-N'-alkyl-N-nitrosoureas were tested on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 and compared with chemical properties (alkylating activity and decomposition rate). In their relative mutagenicities the N-nitrosoureas that had a cyclic N'-alkyl groups showed far more mutagenic activity than those having a chain N;-alkyl group. M(1-A) NU and M(2-A)NU, which had the most bulky N'-alkyl group in this series, exhibited lethal effects at high concentrations. The mutagenicity showed a small positive correlation with decomposition rates but not with alkylating activities on 4-(p-nitrobenzyl)pyridine. The highest mutagenicity in this series was observed in N-methyl-N'cyclobutyl-N-nitrosourea. These results suggest that, in this series of N-methyl-N'-alkyl-N-nitrosoureas, structural differences in the N'-alkyl groups had great significance in mutagenicity.

Drug Stability↗

Alkyl lysophosphatidic acid and fluoromethylene phosphonate analogs as metabolically-stabilized agonists for LPA receptors.

We describe an efficient method for the synthesis of alkyl lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) analogs as well as alkyl LPA mono- and difluoromethylene phosphonate analogs. Each alkyl LPA analog was evaluated for subtype-specific LPA receptor agonist activity using a cell migration assay for LPA(1) activation in cancer cells and an intracellular calcium mobilization assay for LPA(2) and LPA(3) activation. Alkyl LPAs induced pronounced cell migration activity with equivalent or higher potency than sn-1-oleoyl LPA, while the alkyl LPA fluoromethylene phosphonates proved to be less potent agonists in this assay. However, each alkyl LPA analog activated Ca(2+) release by activation of LPA(2) and LPA(3) receptors. Interestingly, the absolute configuration of the sn-2 hydroxyl group of the alkyl LPA analogs was not recognized by any of the three LPA receptors. The use of alkyl LPA analogs further expands the scope of structure-activity studies, which will better define LPA-LPA receptor interactions.

Animals↗

Structure-reactivity relationships for the inhibition mechanism at the second alkyl-chain-binding site of cholesterol esterase and lipase.

Alkyl-N-phenyl carbamates (2-8) (see Figure 1), alkyl-N-phenyl thiocarbamates (9-15), 2,2'-biphenyl-2-ol-2'-N-substituted carbamates (16-23), and 2, 2'-biphenyl-2-N-octadecylcarbamate-2'-N-substituted carbamates (24-31) are prepared and evaluated for their inhibition effects on porcine pancreatic cholesterol esterase and Pseudomona species lipase. All inhibitors are characterized as transient or pseudo substrate inhibitors for both enzymes. Both enzymes are not protected from inhibition and further inactivated by carbamates 2-8 and thiocarbamates 9-15 in the presence of trifluoroacetophenone. Therefore, carbamates 2-8 and thiocarbamates 9-15 are exceptions for active site binding inhibitors and are probably the second alkyl-chain binding-site-directed inhibitors for both enzymes. The inhibition data for carbamates 2-8 and thiocarbamates 9-15 are correlated with the steric constant, E(s), and the hydrophobicity constant, pi; however, the inhibition data are not correlated with the Taft substituent constant, sigma. A comparison of the inhibition data for carbamates 2-8 and thiocarbamates 9-15 toward both enzymes indicates that thiocarbamates 9-15 are more potent inhibitors than carbamates 2-8. A comparison of the inhibition data for cholesterol esterase and Pseudomona species lipase by carbamates 2-8 or thiocarbamates 9-15 indicates that cholesterol esterase is more sensitive to the E(s) and pi values than Pseudomona species lipase. The negative slope values for the logarithms of inhibition data for Pseudomona species lipase by carbamates 2-8 and thiocarbamates 9-15 versus E(s) and pi indicate that the second alkyl-chain-binding site of Pseudomona species lipase is huge, hydrophilic, compared to that of cholesterol esterase, and prefers to interact with a bulky, hydrophilic inhibitor rather than a small, hydrophobic one. On the contrary, the second alkyl-chain-binding site of cholesterol esterase prefers to bind to a small, hydrophobic inhibitor. Both enzymes are protected from inhibition by carbamates 16-23 in the presence of trifluoroacetophenone. Therefore, carbamates 16-23 are characterized as the alkyl chain binding site, esteratic site oxyanion active site directed pseudo substrate inhibitors for both enzymes. Both enzyme inhibition data for carbamates 16-22 are well-correlated with sigma alone. The negative rho values for these correlations indicate that the serine residue of both enzymes and carbamates 16-22 forms the tetrahedral species with more positive charges than inhibitors and the enzymes and follow the formation of the carbamyl enzymes with more positive charges than the tetrahedral species. Carbamates 24-31 are also exceptions for active site binding inhibitors and probably the second alkyl chain binding site-directed inhibitors for both enzymes. However, the enzyme inhibition constants for carbamates 24-31 are correlated with values of sigma, E(s), and pi. The negative rho values for these correlations indicate that both enzymes and carbamates 24-31 form the tetrahedral species with more positive charges than inhibitors and the enzymes and follow the formation of the carbamyl enzymes with more positive charges than those tetrahedral species. Therefore, carbamates 24-31 may bind to both the active sites and the second alkyl chain binding site and follow the evacuation of the active sites. A comparison of the rho values for cholesterol esterase and Pseudomona species lipase by carbamates 24-31 indicates that cholesterol esterase is much more sensitive to the sigma values than Pseudomona species lipase. The negative sensitivity values, delta, for the cholesterol esterase inhibitions by carbamates 24-31 indicate that the enzyme prefers to bind to a bulky carbamyl group rather than bind to a small one. The hydrophobicity of carbamates 24-31 does not play a major role in both enzyme inhibitions.

Animals↗

Structure of human CD1b with bound ligands at 2.3 A, a maze for alkyl chains.

The human genome encodes five nonpolymorphic major histocompatibility complex class I-like glycoproteins, CD1a to CD1e, that present lipid antigens for specific recognition by T lymphocytes. Using single alkyl chain detergents, we developed a protocol to generate recombinant human CD1b-lipid complexes. We present here the crystal structures of CD1b in complex with either phosphatidylinositol or ganglioside GM2 at 2.3 A and 2.8 A resolutions, respectively. The antigen-binding groove houses four interlinked hydrophobic channels that are occupied by the alkyl chains of the glycolipid plus two detergent molecules. A distinct exit beneath the alpha 2 helix further contributes to the plasticity of the binding groove. These structures reveal the mechanism by which two alkyl chain lipids bind to CD1b, and how CD1b can adapt to ligands of different alkyl chain length. They also suggest how very long alkyl chains, such as those of mycolic acid, could be fully contained within the binding groove. These results extend the spectrum of potential CD1b ligands by revealing that, in addition to two alkyl chain lipids, mono-alkyl and triple-alkyl chain lipids can be accommodated in the binding groove.

Alleles↗

Enzymic aromatization of 6-alkyl-substituted androgens, potent competitive and mechanism-based inhibitors of aromatase.

To gain insight into the relationships between the aromatase inhibitory activity of 6-alkyl-substituted androgens, potent competitive inhibitors, and their ability to serve as a substrate of aromatase, we studied the aromatization of a series of 6alpha- and 6beta-alkyl (methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-pentyl and n-heptyl)-substituted androst-4-ene-3,17-diones (ADs) and their androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) derivatives with human placental aromatase, by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among the inhibitors examined, ADD and its 6alpha-alkyl derivatives with alkyl functions less than three carbons long, together with 6beta-methyl ADD, are suicide substrates of aromatase. All of the steroids, except for 6beta-n-pentyl ADD and its n-heptyl analogue as well as 6beta-n-heptyl AD, were found to be converted into the corresponding 6-alkyl oestrogens. The 6-methyl steroids were aromatized most efficiently in each series, and the aromatization rate essentially decreased in proportion to the length of the 6-alkyl chains in each series, where the 6alpha-alkyl androgens were more efficient substrates than the corresponding 6beta isomers. The Vmax of 6alpha-methyl ADD was approx. 2.5-fold that of the natural substrate AD and approx. 3-fold that of the parent ADD. On the basis of this, along with the facts that the rates of a mechanism-based inactivation of aromatase by ADD and its 6alpha-methyl derivative are similar, it is implied that alignment of 6alpha-methyl ADD in the active site could favour the pathway leading to oestrogen over the inactivation pathway, compared with that of ADD. The relative apparent Km values for the androgens obtained in this study are different from the relative Ki values obtained previously, indicating that there is a difference between the ability to serve as an inhibitor and the ability to serve as a substrate in the 6-alkyl androgen series.

Alkanes↗

Contribution of hydrazines-derived alkyl radicals to cytotoxicity and transformation induced in normal c-myc-overexpressing mouse fibroblasts.

Several hydrazine derivatives (HD) tested so far have pharmacological activities, but many also have toxic side effects, including carcinogenesis. Their toxicity has been ascribed to carbocations (via formation of azoxy intermediates), alkyl radicals or reactive oxygen species. Cytotoxicity and transformation by carbocations is widely accepted, but the role of alkyl radicals is still questioned. We have investigated the cytotoxicity of HD to mouse fibroblasts in three activation systems in which enhanced alkyl radical formation is demonstrated by electron spin resonance/spin-trapping. Cytotoxicity was assayed by inhibition of [3H-methyl]thymidine uptake into DNA of Balb/c 3T3 and/or Myc 9E fibroblasts (normal Balb/c 3T3 cells over-expressing the c-myc proto-oncogene). Based on the results obtained in the cytotoxicity assays we also investigated the transforming potential of procarbazine (PCZ) and methylhydrazine (MeH) activated by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) using the Myc 9E cell line, which aims at the activation of a second cooperating oncogene. Our results show that: (i) cytotoxicity of HD to mouse fibroblasts is increased by HRP activation of MeH, phenelzine and PCZ, which displayed enhanced alkyl radical formation, but not of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), which did not produce increased alkyl radical formation under these conditions; (ii) cytotoxicity of neutrophil-activated MeH (producing a 10-fold higher concentration of methyl radicals), is more pronounced than DMH; (iii) MeH and DMH activated by prolonged auto-oxidation in 24-h incubations have comparable cytotoxicity and alkyl radical formation; and (iv) PCZ and MeH activation by HRP to alkyl radicals increased the transformation induced in Myc 9E cells. Taken together, our results strongly support a role for hydrazine-derived alkyl radicals in HD-induced cytotoxicity and cell transformation.

3T3 Cells↗

Regulation of the fatty acid composition of alkyl ether phospholipid in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The substrate specificities of 1-O-alkylglycerol 3-phosphate and 1-O-alkylglycero-3-phosphocholine acyltransferases.

Activity for the acylation of 1-O-alkyl-GP was found in the microsomes of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The reaction product was shown to be 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GP by identifying the acetolysis product as 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-3-acetylglycerol. The acyl transfer activity to 1-O-alkyl-GP was significantly lower than that to 1-acyl-GP. The substrate specificity of 1-O-alkyl-GP acyltransferase was rather broad as regards thiol esters. Similar specificity was observed with 1-acyl-GP acyltransferase. In contrast to these acyltransferase systems, the 1-acyl- and 1-O-alkyl-GPC acyltransferases were specific for polyunsaturated fatty acyl-CoA's. Since a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acid and a little palmitic acid were located at the 2-position of 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC(E), the observed specificities for acyl-COA's of these acyltransferase systems can be considered in relation to the fatty acid composition at the 2-position of 1-O-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC(E) in the cells.

Acyltransferases↗

On the phospholipid metabolism of glial cell primary cultures. II. Metabolism of 1-alkyl-glycerophosphoethanolamine during time course.

Primary cultures were prepared from newborn rat brain. After 16-18 days, they consisted mainly of mature and immature astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, as judged by immunohistochemistry. To study the metabolism of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids, the cells were incubated with 1-[1-3H] alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (1-alkyl-GPE), for 1-20 h. Five main products were formed: 1-alkyl-2-acyl-GPE; 1-alkyl-2-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (1-alkyl-2-acyl-GPC); 1-alkenyl-2-acyl-GPE (ethanolamine plasmalogen); 1-alkenyl-2-acyl-GPC (choline plasmalogen); and 1-alkyl-glycerol. Acylation of the substrate was the main reaction during the first 3 h of incubation, whereas desaturation to plasmalogen reached a maximum after 12 h. Greater amounts of radioactivity were observed in the phosphatidylcholine fraction after longer incubation times. Only small amounts of choline plasmalogen were observed. The phosphatidylethanolamine fraction consisted of 26.5% diacyl, 27.5% alkyl-acyl-, and 46.0% alkenyl-acyl-compounds, whereas the corresponding data for the phosphatidylcholine fraction were 78.5, 16.4, and 5.1%, respectively, after 20 h of incubation. Hydrolysis of the substrate to 1-alkyl-glycerol was a minor reaction.

Animals↗

Albumin adsorption and retention on C18-alkyl-derivatized polyurethane vascular grafts.

The short-term albumin affinity and thrombo-resistance of a polyether polyurethane vascular graft have been improved. The method is based on the C18 alkylation of the polymer. Thrombus formation by a planimetric technique and albumin retention on wire-reinforced polyurethane tubes, both C18 alkylated and untreated, were measured in short-term (4-h) exposure at femoral arterial sites in the dog. 125I-Albumin was preabsorbed on tubes and then exposed to blood for successive 2-h periods. Albumin uptake on alkylated tubes prior to blood exposure and retention following 2 h of blood exposure were significantly greater than on controls. Following a fast desorption phase in blood, the remaining albumin was more slowly desorbed from alkylated than from control tubes. Reincubation with albumin and blood reexposure produced a similar tendency, suggesting blood conditioning does not reduce the albumin affinity-enhancing property of C18 alkylation in the short term. Blood-preconditioning experiments suggested endogenous albumin has a high affinity for the C18-alkylated surface. Scanning electron microscopic examination showed thrombus and platelet densities were higher on control than on alkylated surfaces. These results suggest in vivo albumin affinity is increased for C18-alkylated polyurethane, which may be linked to decreased thrombus formation on these surfaces.

Adsorption↗

2-alkyl-3-Alkylamino-2H-Benzo- and pyridothiadiazine 1,1-dioxides: from K+ATP channel openers to Ca++ channel blockers?

A series of 2-alkyl-3-alkylamino-2H-benzo- and 2-alkyl-3-alkylamino-2H-pyrido[4,3-e]-1,2,4-thiadiazine 1,1-dioxides, structurally related to BPDZ 44 and BPDZ 73, two potent pancreatic B-cells K+ATP channel openers, were synthesized and tested on rat pancreatic islets (endocrine tissue) as well as on rat aorta rings (vascular smooth muscle tissue). Alkylation of the 2-position led to double bond tautomerization and formation of compounds with a 2H-conformation. In contrast to the previously described pyridothiadiazine dioxides, such as BPDZ 44, and 7-chlorobenzothiadiazine dioxides, such as BPDZ 73, the 2-alkyl-substituted analogs were found to be poorly active on the insulin releasing process although most drugs exhibited a vasorelaxant activity. As a result, the new 2-alkyl-substituted pyridinic compounds expressed a selectivity profile (vascular smooth muscle tissue vs pancreatic tissue) opposite to that of their non-alkyl-substituted counterparts, i.e. BPDZ 44. Additional investigations revealed that, in contrast to their non 2-alkyl-substituted analogs, the most interesting 2-methyl-substituted derivatives did not express the pharmacological profile of classical K+ATP channel openers. The pharmacological results rather suggest that alkylation of the 2-position of the thiadiazine ring led to drugs that could act as Ca2+ channel blockers rather than as potassium channel openers.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

Effect of the photoperiod in modulating the androgenic control of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol composition in the harderian gland of the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus.

The golden hamster Harderian gland produces a lipid secretion consisting mainly of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol. We investigated the composition of alkyl and acyl groups in male and female hamster Harderian alkyldiacylglycerol, in animals kept in long and short photoperiods. Female hamsters in long days have alkyl groups with long saturated straight chains (C18:0 and C20:0) and methyl-branched chains (even and odd chain length iso-branched and odd chain length anteiso-branched chains). Acyl groups in females in long days are mostly long straight chains (C16:0) and methyl-branched chains. In females, short photoperiods led to reductions in the proportions of methyl-branched chains and changes in the proportions of straight chain alkyl and acyl groups; these changes were prevented by pinealectomy. Male hamsters with intact gonads, maintained in long days, had no methyl-branched chain alkyl or acyl groups; saturated straight chains were generally shorter than those of females and the odd chain length saturated C15:0 acyl group was common. Short photoperiods did not significantly alter the composition of male alkyldiacylglycerol. Castrated male hamsters in long days showed a distinctively female phenotype, with long straight chains and methyl-branched alkyl and acyl groups. Castrated males in short days showed a mixture of male and female characteristics: shorter straight chain alkyl and acyl groups, a total absence of methyl-branched alkyl groups, and the presence of methyl-branched acyl groups. These results and those of other studies suggest that testosterone controls the enzymes isovaleryl acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and 2-methyl branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase; in the absence of these enzymes, the primers for the synthesis of methyl-branched chain fatty acids are produced. Our results indicate that this control is modulated by short photoperiods (perhaps due to reduced prolactin levels). It is also suggested that characteristics of male-type alkyldiacylglycerol are better adapted to conditions of autumn and winter than are those of female-type alkyldiacylglycerol.

Animals↗

Cytochrome P-450-dependent formation of alkylating metabolites of the 2-chloroethylnitrosoureas MeCCNU and CCNU.

Rat liver microsomes catalyzed the biotransformation of the clinically important nitrosourea anticancer agents 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(trans-4-methyl-cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (MeCCNU) and 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) to alkylating metabolites that bound covalently to microsomal protein and to DNA. The enzyme-mediated microsomal alkylation required NADPH and oxygen and was inhibited by carbon monoxide, indicating the participation of a cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenase. Additional studies with inhibitors such as piperonyl butoxide and with the inducers 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital were consistent with this view. In contrast to these observations on the formation of alkylating metabolites, carbamylation reactions were not affected significantly by microsomal metabolism. Reduced glutathione, cysteine or N-acetylcysteine decreased the microsomal alkylation by MeCCNU and produced a corresponding increase in the formation of polar metabolites that was resolved by HPLC as three distinct N-acetylcysteine-MeCCNU adducts. The addition of semicarbazide to the reaction decreased microsomal alkylation by 30%, indicating that the formation of the alkylating species may proceed via an aldehyde intermediate. Renal microsomes were not found to catalyze the alkylation reaction. Moreover, MeCCNU inhibited the renal slice accumulation of p-aminohippuric acid only in the presence of liver microsomes and NADPH, suggesting that a liver metabolite may be responsible for the renal toxicity of the parent nitrosourea.

Acetylcysteine↗

Alkylation resistance of E. coli cells expressing different isoforms of human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (hAAG).

The alkyladenine DNA glycosylase (AAG) has been cloned from mouse and humans. AAG knock out mouse cells are sensitized to a variety of alkylating and cross-linking agents suggesting AAG is active on a variety of substrates. In humans, two isoforms have been characterized that are generated by alternative splicing and contain either exon 1a or 1b (hAAG1 or hAAG2). In this study, we examine the ability of the both known isoforms of human AAG (hAAG) to contribute to survival of Escherichia coli from treatments with simple alkylating agents and cross-linking alkylating agents. Our results show that hAAG is effective at repairing methyl lesions when expressed in E. coli, but is unable to afford increased resistance to alkylating agents producing larger alkyl lesions such as ethyl lesions or lesions produced by the cross-linking alkylating agents N,N'-bis-chloroethyl-N-nitrosourea (BCNU), N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (CNU) or mitomycin C. In the case of CNU, expression of hAAG causes increased sensitivity rather than resistance, suggesting deleterious effects of hAAG activity. We also demonstrate that there are no apparent differences between the two isoforms of hAAG when recovery from damage produced by all alkylating agents is tested.

Alkylating Agents↗