Nucleosides and Nucleotides. 232. Synthesis of 2′-C-Methyl-4′-thiocytidine: Unexpected Anomerization of the 2′-Keto-4′-thionucleoside Precursor

The synthesis of 2′-C-methyl-4′-thiocytidine (16) is described. Since the 2′-keto-4′-thiocytidine derivative 2β unexpectedly isomerized to 2α and the methylation of 2β proceeded predominantly from the less hindered α-face to give 7, the desired product 16 was synthesized via the Pummerer reaction of the sulfoxide 14 and N ⁴ -benzoylcytosine.     

SYNTHESIS OF 2′-C-METHYL-4′-THIO RIBONUCLEOSIDES

Starting from 2-C-methyl-ribonolactone, 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetyl-2-C-methyl-4-thioribofuranose was synthesized and condensed with heterocyclic bases to afford 2′-C-methyl-4′-thioribonucleosides.     

Acquirement of fetal properties in hepatoma on glutathione metabolism

Glutathione peroxidase/glutathionè reductase activity ratio was determined in the high-speed supernatant fraction of the rat livers. The ratio was dependent on age and the ratio increase gradually with the increase in age. The fetal liver showed a ratio of 1.5–2.0, which was almost the same value to those of the 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene-induced primary hepatoma and some transplantable hepatomas originating from the azodye-induced hepatoma. Four cell lines of transplantable ascites hepatoma examined in this study showed the value of 1.2–1.8 for the activity ratio, however, the values of two strains were found to be 2.8–3.0, even though these cell lines were also originated from the azodye-induced hepatoma.Glutathione contents of azodye-induced hepatoma and ascites hepatomas were also similar with those of fetal rat livers.The acquirement of the fetal properties in hepatoma was discussed in relation to glutathione metabolism.     

Chalcone glycosides of Antirrhinum majus

Three chalcones have been found in yellow flowers of A. majus, two of which have been identified as chalcononaringenin 4′-glucoside and 3,4,2′,4′,6′-pentahydroxychalcone 4′-glucoside.     

Methylated Chalcones from Bidens torta

Four new natural products, all methylated chalcones, including an acetylated glycoside, were isolated from Bidens torta. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic methods as okanin 3,4,3′,4′-tetramethyl ether, okanin 3,4,3′-trimethyl ether 4′-glucoside, okanin 4-methyl ether 4′-glucoside and okanin 4-methyl ether 4′-glucoside monoacetate. Okanin 3,4-dimethyl ether 4′-glucoside was also isolated.     

4′-Epi-DNA: A DNA Mimic Containing 4′-hydroxymethyl-α-l-Xylo-Thymidine with Compact Backbone like RNA

Synthesis of C4′-epi-DNA containing 3′→ 5″ linkages is reported for the first time. Crystal structure study of the monomer indicated that though the dihedral angle O3′-C3′-C4′-C5″ in this case would be like in RNA, the sugar conformation would remain like that in DNA. The study of the effect of this backbone configuration in DNA with respect to its binding to cDNA and RNA is reported in this note.     

Calcium pump activity of the renal plasma membrane and renal microsomes

ATP-dependent Ca²⁺ uptake distinct from that of the mitochondria is found in both plasma membrane and microsomal membranes of rat kidney. Activity attributed to these fractions is enhanced by ammonium oxalate and is apparently insensitive to NaN₃. In contrast, rat kidney mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake is blocked by NaN₃. The pH of optimal activity is significantly higher for the mitochondrial fraction. Microsomal membrane Ca²⁺ uptake differs from that of the plasma membrane. Microsomal membranes are four times as active as the plasma membrane at high (5 mM) ATP levels. Apparent K_m values for Mg²⁺-ATP differ in the two preparations with a higher affinity for Mg²⁺-ATP found in the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ uptake activity of the plasma membrane preparation is readily inhibited by Na⁺. Sucrose gradient density fractionation indicates that the observed microsomal membrane Ca²⁺ pump activity is associated with membrane vesicles derived from the endoplasmic reticulum. Ca²⁺ pump activity of both plasma membrane and microsomal fraction is depressed din the adrenalectomized rat. This activity is not restored by a single natriuretic dose of aldosterone.     

Effects of 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene on ion transport in turtle bladders

The disulfonic stilbene (4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene) is found to be more potent than acetazolamide as an anion transport inhibitor in the turtle bladder, but less potent than acetazolamide as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. The anion-dependent (HCO₃^-−, Cl⁻) moeity of the short-circuiting current is eliminated by 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stibene, but only after its addition to the serosal bathing fluid. Whereas 4-acetmido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-disulfonic stilbene has no effect om Na⁺transport across the bladder, it is more potent than ouabain as an inhibitor of microsomal (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase of both turtle bladder and eel electric organ.     

Flavones from Eupatorium leucolepis

Chloroform extraction of Eupatorium leucolepis gave the new flavones 3′-hydroxy-5,6,7,8,4′,5′-hexamethoxyflavone, 4′-hydroxy-5,6,7,8,3′,5     

Three highly oxygenated flavone glucuronides in leaves of Spinacia oleracea

Droplet counter-current chromatographic separation and subsequent TLC demonstrated the existence of at least 14 phenolics in the leaves of Spinacia oleracea. Three have now been isolated and identified, respectively, as the 4′-glucuronides of 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,6,3′-trimethoxyflavone (jaceidin), 5,3′,4′-trihydroxy-3-methoxy-6:7-methylene-dioxyflavone and 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxy-6:7-methylenedioxyflavone.     

Chloride self exchange in Ehrlich ascites cells. Inhibition by furosemide and 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2-2′-disulfonic acid

The effects of furosemide and 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (SITS) on steady-state Cl⁻ flux were studied in Ehrlich mouse ascites cells. At 10 mM, furosemide inhibited isotopically-determined Cl⁻ flux by 86% without changing cell Cl⁻ content, indicating that influx and efflux were depressed by the same amount. These results suggest that at least 86% of the steady-state Cl⁻ flux may occur as a one for one exchange. Half of the inhibitory effect was not reversed by vigorous washing with albumin-Ringer. A smaller portion of steady-state Cl⁻ flux was inhibited by SITS. The maximum effect of SITS was reached near 0.6 mM; at this concentration Cl⁻ flux was reduced by 37% without an alteration in cell Cl⁻ content. Possible competition of environment Cl⁻ and SITS was investigated by replacing environment Cl⁻ with acetate or NO₃. These anions reduced the efficacy of SITS because they depressed cell Cl⁻ turnover themselves, apparently acting on the same exchange process.     

Flavans from Zephyranthes flava

A new optically active flavan aglucone, 7-hydroxy-3′,4′-methylenedioxyflavan, and its 7-glucoside have been isolated from the bulbs of Zephyranthes flava, collected at flowering. Additionally, two known flavans, 7,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxyflavan and 7-methoxy-2′-hydroxy-4′,5′-methylenedioxyflavan, have been isolated for the first time from this species. The structures of these flavans have been established by comprehensive analyses (UV, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry, [α]_D) of the compounds and their acetates, and also by chemical correlation.     

2,4,2′-Trihydroxy-4′-methoxybenzil from Zollernia paraensis

A new phenolic compound, isolated from the wood of Zollernia paraensis, has been shown to be 2,4,2′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxybenzil by spectral data and synthesis.     

Two new C-methylated flavonoids from Myrica gale

From the leaves of Myrica gale 2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′-methoxy-3′,5′-dimethylchalcone has been isolated. The fruits yielded 2′-hydroxy-4′,6′-dimethoxy-3′-methyldihydrochalcone. The constitutions were deduced from spectroscopic data and confirmed by synthesis.     

Dihydrochalcones from lindera umbellata

Two dihydrochalcones, 2′,6′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxydihydrochalcone and 2,4′,6′-trihydroxydihydrochalcone have been isolated from leaves of Lindera umbellata.     

A fluorogenic method for the demonstration of human serum 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase isozymes after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

A rapid fluorogenic method for the demonstration of 5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase in human serum has been developed. This method uses the substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl 5′-thymidylate impregnated in agarose gels or filter paper strips. Zymograms are developed in less than 30 min at 25°C, and the sensitivity of this method has been compared with that of the indigogenic method.