Ginkgolides protect against amyloid-β1–42-mediated synapse damage in vitro

Background

The early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are closely associated with the production of the Aβ_1–42 peptide, loss of synapses and gradual cognitive decline. Since some epidemiological studies showed that EGb 761, an extract from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, had a beneficial effect on mild forms of AD, the effects of some of the major components of the EGb 761 extract (ginkgolides A and B, myricetin and quercetin) on synapse damage in response to Aβ_1–42 were examined.

Results

The addition of Aβ_1–42 to cortical or hippocampal neurons reduced the amounts of cell associated synaptophysin, a pre-synaptic membrane protein that is essential for neurotransmission, indicating synapse damage. The effects of Aβ_1–42 on synapses were apparent at concentrations approximately 100 fold less than that required to kill neurons; the synaptophysin content of neuronal cultures was reduced by 50% by 50 nM Aβ_1–42. Pre-treatment of cortical or hippocampal neuronal cultures with ginkgolides A or B, but not with myrecitin or quercetin, protected against Aβ_1–42-induced loss of synaptophysin. This protective effect was achieved with nanomolar concentrations of ginkgolides. Previous studies indicated that the ginkgolides are platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists and here we show that Aβ_1–42-induced loss of synaptophysin from neuronal cultures was also reduced by pre-treatment with other PAF antagonists (Hexa-PAF and CV6209). PAF, but not lyso-PAF, mimicked the effects Aβ_1–42 and caused a dose-dependent reduction in the synaptophysin content of neurons. This effect of PAF was greatly reduced by pre-treatment with ginkgolide B. In contrast, ginkgolide B did not affect the loss of synaptophysin in neurons incubated with prostaglandin E₂.

Conclusion

Pre-treatment with ginkgolides A or B protects neurons against Aβ_1–42-induced synapse damage. These ginkgolides also reduced the effects of PAF, but not those of prostaglandin E₂, on the synaptophysin content of neuronal cultures, results consistent with prior reports that ginkgolides act as PAF receptor antagonists. Such observations suggest that the ginkgolides are active components of Ginkgo biloba preparations and may protect against the synapse damage and the cognitive loss seen during the early stages of AD.     

Structure-activity analysis of ginkgolide binding in the glycine receptor pore

Ginkgolides, active constituents of Ginkgo biloba extracts, potently block the glycine receptor chloride channel (GlyR). Ginkgolides A, B, C and J are structurally similar, varying only by the presence or absence of oxygens at their R1 and R2 positions. The aim of this study was to understand how variable ginkgolide groups bind to pore-lining 2' and 6' residues in the α1 GlyR. Ginkgolide potency was not affected by G2'A or G2'S mutations, suggesting 2' residues are not important for ginkgolide coordination. Analysis of the α1^T6'S GlyR suggests that ginkgolides bind to this receptor via hydrogen bonds between T6'S and ginkgolide R1 hydroxyls. The abolition of block by the T6'A and T6'V mutations but not by the T6'S mutation implies the existence a second transmembrane domain α-helical kink formed by hydrogen bonding between 6' threonine and serine sidechains and backbone carbonyl oxygens. We also found that ginkgolide A binds in different orientations in the closed and open states of a mutant GlyR, possibly reflecting its enhanced flexibility relative to other ginkgolides. Together these results indicate that small variations in ginkgolide structure or pore structure can lead to drastic potency variations. This property may be exploited to create improved pharmacological probes for discriminating among anionic Cys-loop receptor isoforms with 6' structural variations.     

Inhibition of hippocampal LTP by ginkgolide B is mediated by its blocking action on PAF rather than glycine receptors

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a biologically active lipid (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoholine), is identified in different regions of brain, including hippocampus. Specific PAF-activated receptors (PAFRs) are expressed in corresponding brain areas. PAF has been proposed to be a retrograde messenger of long-term potentiation (LTP): the antagonist of PAFRs, ginkgolide B (or BN52021) prevents induction of LTP. Recently it has been found that ginkgolide B is also an efficient blocker of the glycine receptor (GlyR) operated chloride channels (IC(50)=270+/-10 nM in hippocampal pyramidal neurons). The question is as follows: is the alteration of LTP by BN52021 due to the PAF antagonism or to the inhibition of glycine-gated chloride channels? We have studied the effects of ginkgolides B and J on LTP induced in the CA1 area of rat hippocampus. Ginkgolide J which is the weakest blocker of PAFR (IC(50)=54 microM, as compared to IC(50)=2.5 microM for ginkgolide B) inhibits GlyR-operated channels with IC(50)=2.0 microM. This assures a convenient concentration window which allows to inhibit GlyR-operated channels without affecting PAFRs. An amount of 5 microM of ginkgolide J did not prevent the induction of LTP, while ginkgolide B (5 microM) completely inhibited this phenomenon. The effect of ginkgolide B on LTP did not alter considerably if GlyRs were blocked by strychnine (2 microM). Strychnine itself had no significant effect on the induction of LTP. Both ginkgolides and strychnine significantly facilitated short-term potentiation (STP). Our data support a hypothesis according to which ginkgolides affect LTP by inhibiting PAFRs.     

Molecular determinants of ginkgolide binding in the glycine receptor pore

Ginkgolides are potent blockers of the glycine receptor Cl- channel (GlyR) pore. We sought to identify their binding sites by comparing the effects of ginkgolides A, B and C and bilobalide on alpha1, alpha2, alpha1beta and alpha2beta GlyRs. Bilobalide sensitivity was drastically reduced by incorporation of the beta subunit. In contrast, the sensitivities to ginkgolides B and C were enhanced by beta subunit expression. However, ginkgolide A sensitivity was increased in the alpha2beta GlyR relative to the alpha2 GlyR but not in the alpha1beta GlyR relative to the alpha1 GlyR. We hypothesised that the subunit-specific differences were mediated by residue differences at the second transmembrane domain 2' and 6' pore-lining positions. The increased ginkgolide A sensitivity of the alpha2beta GlyR was transferred to the alpha1beta GlyR by the G2'A (alpha1 to alpha2 subunit) substitution. In addition, the alpha1 subunit T6'F mutation abolished inhibition by all ginkgolides. As the ginkgolides share closely related structures, their molecular interactions with pore-lining residues were amenable to mutant cycle analysis. This identified an interaction between the variable R2 position of the ginkgolides and the 2' residues of both alpha1 and beta subunits. These findings provide strong evidence for ginkgolides binding at the 2' pore-lining position.     

Terpene trilactones from Gingko biloba: from ancient times to the 21st century

Ginkgolides were always close to my heart. I continue to be strongly attracted to Ginkgo biloba, the ginkgolides and bilobalide. Starting in 1963, I became fascinated by these molecules while working on their isolation and structure elucidation in Sendai. Presumably, due to the ginkgolide studies, I received an invitation to join the faculty at Columbia University. After almost three decades of not touching the ginkgolide project, we have unexpectedly resumed the studies, at this time because of their enigmatic biological effects. This account is a reflection on earlier studies, as well as an outline of our current work.     

Involvement of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in cerebral post-ischemic phase in Mongolian gerbils

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent mediator of anaphylaxis and shock. In addition, evidence for PAF participation in gastric, intestinal and heart post-ischemic phase has been recently demonstrated. Ginkgo biloba extracts improve cerebral metabolism and protect brain against hypoxic damage in various models of cerebral ischemia. Potent and specific antagonists of PAF have been found in Ginkgo biloba and termed Ginkgolides: BN 52020, BN 52021, BN 52022, BN 52024. We therefore undertook the investigation of the role of Ginkgolides in cerebral ischemia obtained by bilateral ligature of the common carotid for 10 min and 6 h of recirculation in male Mongolian adult gerbils. Given preventively (one week treatment 10 mg/kg/day orally) or at the time of clamping, BN 52021 and related Ginkgolides dose-dependently antagonize morbidity assessed by the stroke-index. Similarly the mitochondrial respiration evaluated by the respiratory control ratio is significantly improved. In both determinations, the range of activity: BN 52021 greater than, BN 52020 greater than BN 52022 greater than BN 52024 shows that the effect of Ginkgolides in cerebral ischemia are correlated with their PAF antagonistic properties. Given curatively, 1 h after declamping, BN 52021 is able to reverse the cerebral impairment trend. Kadsurenone and brotizolam, two other chemically unrelated PAF antagonists led to similar recovery. Therefore PAF appears to play an important role in the post-ischemic phase after bilateral carotid ligation in Mongolian gerbils.     

Specific binding sites for platelet activating factor in human lung tissues

Specific and saturable binding of [3H]-labeled 1-0-alkyl-2-0-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PAF) to membrane preparations of human lung tissues is demonstrated. The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) was determined by Scatchard analysis to be 4.9 (+/- 1.7) X 10(-10)M and the maximal number of binding sites was estimated to be 140 (+/- 37) fmole/mg protein. The binding site is PAF specific and its selectivity toward PAF analogs is very similar to that in rabbit platelets. Two PAF receptor antagonists, kadsurenone and ginkgolide B, previously characterized in platelet systems, also displace the binding of [3H]-PAF to human lung homogenates. These data indicate that human lung tissues contain PAF specific receptors, and binding of PAF to these receptor sites may be the first step to initiate PAF-induced lung pathophysiology.     

Platelet-activating factor and cardiac diseases: therapeutic potential for PAF inhibitors

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent phospholipid mediator released from inflammatory cells in response to diverse immunologic and non-immunologic stimuli. Animal studies have implicated PAF as a major mediator involved in coronary artery constriction, modulation of myocardial contractility and the generation of arrhythmias which may bear on cardiac disorders such as ischemia, infarction and sudden cardiac death. PAF effects are induced by direct actions of PAF on cardiac tissue to modify chronotropic and inotropic activity, or indirectly via the release of eicosanoids such as thromboxane A₂ (TXA,), leukotrienes (LT) or cytokines (TNFx). The development of selective, high affinity PAF receptor antagonists has permitted investigations on the role of PAF in experimental animal models of cardiac injury. In vivo and in vitro studies strongly suggest that PAF receptor antagonists might convey therapeutic benefits in ischemic conditions and certain arrhythmias. In addition, PAF antagonists might have a cardiac allograft-preservation effect. Although clinical studies with PAF receptor antagonists in patients with cardiac diseases have not yet been reported, the experimental results to date suggest that PAF receptor antagonist might be useful in some specific cardiac disorders in humans.     

Is platelet activating factor (PAF) an important mediator in bronchial asthma?

The development of selective PAF receptor antagonists may provide a novel approach to the treatment of human bronchial asthma. In preclinical animal models of human asthma, PAF receptor antagonists have been found to be efficacious in blocking antigen-induced changes in lung function. However, the majority of these models involve acute inflammatory events and transient changes in lung function and, therefore, their relevance to human asthma is questionable. In a recent study with a primate model of chronic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, we have shown that treatment with a PAF receptor antagonist had no effect on reducing chronic inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. Similarly, recent studies in human asthmatics with PAF receptor antagonists have failed to show efficacy in blocking allergen-induced airway responses or to have any steroid sparing effects in patients with ongoing asthma. Thus, it seems that PAF may not be a key mediator which can be blocked and thereby provide therapy for bronchial asthma.     

不同银杏内酯对黑曲霉线粒体结构及功能的影响

真菌感染作为威胁人类健康的传染性疾病之一,是普遍的全球性问题。本研究通过在黑曲霉的孢子悬浮液中添加不同浓度的银杏内酯,收集黑曲霉菌丝体,评估黑曲霉线粒体的结构和功能,考察不同银杏内酯B和C对黑曲霉的抗真菌效果。透射电子显微镜扫描发现经银杏内酯B处理后的黑曲霉线粒体表现出明显的空泡化,基质结构被破坏;线粒体三羧酸循环中关键酶琥珀酸脱氢酶和苹果酸脱氢酶活性下降,线粒体膜电位降低,丙二醛和活性氧水平显著升高。研究结果初步揭示了银杏内酯以剂量依赖的方式损坏线粒体膜的完整性,破坏线粒体结构,进一步损害线粒体功能;银杏内酯B的抗黑曲霉效果要显著高于银杏内酯C。     

Structural refinement and prediction of potential CCR2 antagonists through validated multi-QSAR modeling studies

Chemokines trigger numerous inflammatory responses and modulate the immune system. The interaction between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) may be the cause of atherosclerosis, obesity, and insulin resistance. However, CCR2 is also implicated in other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and neuropathic pain. Therefore, there is a paramount importance of designing potent and selective CCR2 antagonists despite a number of drug candidates failed in clinical trials. In this article, 83 CCR2 antagonists by Jhonson and Jhonson Pharmaceuticals have been considered for robust validated multi-QSAR modeling studies to get an idea about the structural and pharmacophoric requirements for designing more potent CCR2 antagonists. All these QSAR models were validated and statistically reliable. Observations resulted from different modeling studies correlated and validated results of other ones. Finally, depending on these QSAR observations, some new molecules were proposed that may exhibit higher activity against CCR2.     

A study with BN 52021 demonstrates the involvement of PAF-acether in IgE-dependent anaphylactic bronchoconstriction

The involvement of platelet activating factor (PAF) in anaphylaxis was examined by recording the pulmonary responses of anesthetized passively sensitized guinea-pigs to the aerosolization of ovalbumin. Animals were tested with and without BN 52021 (a ginkgolide B, PAF receptor antagonist) pretreatment. Aerosolization of ovalbumin produced a bronchoconstriction (BC) which could be made refractory to additional challenges with the antigen. In animals desensitized to ovalbumin, aerosolization of PAF produced an unattenuated BC. Guinea pigs desensitized by repeated aerosolizations of PAF subsequently showed reduced responses to aerosolized antigen suggesting that PAF may be involved in the BC. Animals pretreated with BN 52021, were protected against the effects of systemically administered PAF and also showed reduced responses to aerosolized antigen. Aerosolization of the leukotriene antagonist, FPL 55712, was ineffective against anaphylactic BC under conditions where catecholamine and histamine release were blocked.     

Isolation of ginkgolides A, B, C, J and bilobalide from G. biloba extracts

Ginkgolides A, B, C and J, together with bilobalide, are unique terpenoid components of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Due to similar chemical properties, their separation is quite tedious. We have developed an efficient and rapid protocol for separation of individual ginkgolides and bilobalide from G. biloba extracts. The procedure takes advantage of enhanced susceptibility of ginkgolides B and C to benzylation and the ease of separation of these products from ginkgolides A and J which do not react. The protocol is applicable to the previously reported enriched extracts prepared from G. biloba leaves. A single chromatographic step prior to benzylation provides bilobalide and mixture of ginkgolides A, B, C, and J. After benzylation, the individual ginkgolides are separated by chromatography.     

A study with BN 52021 demonstrates the involvement of PAF-acether in IgE-dependent anaphylactic bronchoconstriction

The involvement of platelet activating factor (PAF) in anaphylaxis was examined by recording the pulmonary responses of anesthetized passively sensitized guinea-pigs to the aerosolization of ovalbumin. Animals were tested with and without BN 52021 (a ginkgolide B, PAF receptor antagonist) pretreatment. Aerosolization of ovalbumin produced a bronchoconstriction (BC) which could be made refractory to additional challenges with the antigen. In animals desensitized to ovalbumin, aerosolization of PAF produced an unattenuated BC. Guinea pigs desensitized by repeated aerosolizations of PAF subsequently showed reduced responses to aerosolized antigen suggesting that PAF may be involved in the BC. Animals pretreated with BN 52021, were protected against the effects of systematically administered PAF and also showed reduced responses to aerosolized antigen. Aerosolization of the leukotriene antagonist, FPL 55712, was ineffective against anaphylactic BC under conditions where catecholamine and histamine release were blocked.     

Inhibition of platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation of human thrombocytes by ginkgolides: considerations on possible bleeding complications after oral intake of Ginkgo biloba extracts

The special Ginkgo biloba leaf extract EGb 761 is marketed for more then two decades. During this time its therapeutic efficacy and favorable safety profile have been proven in numerous clinical trails as well as by postmarketing surveillance in accordance with German drug regulations. During recent years, however, several cases of hemorrhage have been reported to occur in coincidence with the use of Ginkgo products. Although a clear causality between Ginkgo intake and bleeding could not be established, these observations have generally been explained by the platelet-activating factor (PAF)-antagonistic action of ginkgolides, which represent characteristic constituents of Ginkgo extracts. PAF was originally characterized by inducing aggregation and secretion of serotonin and histamine from rabbit platelets. We now confirmed that induction of aggregation of human platelets by PAF requires at least 200 times higher concentration when compared to rabbit cells. Under the chosen experimental conditions, PAF-mediated aggregation of human platelets was half-maximally inhibited by ginkgolide B, A, C and J at concentrations of 2.5, 15.8, 29.8 and 43.5 microg/ml, respectively. These concentrations are generally more than 100 times higher as the peak plasma values measured after oral intake of EGb 761 at recommended doses between 120 and 240 mg. As PAF is a 'weak' platelet activator, which does not appear to be of importance for primary hemostasis, our results rise serious doubts that the PAF antagonistic effect of ginkgolides could be responsible for hemorrhage in patients taking EGb 761.     

Lysophosphatidylcholine and lyso-PAF display PAF-like activity derived from contaminating phospholipids

Lysophosphatidylcholine is an abundant component of plasma and oxidized LDL that displays several biological activities, some of which may occur through the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor. We find that commercial lysophosphatidylcholine, its alkyl homolog (lyso-PAF), and PAF all induce inflammation in a murine model of pleurisy. Hydrolysis of PAF to lyso-PAF by recombinant PAF acetylhydrolase abolished this eosinophilic infiltration, implying that lyso-PAF should not have displayed inflammatory activity. Saponification of lyso-PAF or PAF acetylhydrolase treatment of lyso-PAF or lysophosphatidylcholine abolished activity; neither lysolipid should contain susceptible sn-2 residues, suggesting contaminants account for the bioactivity. Lyso-PAF and to a lesser extent lysophosphatidylcholine stimulated Ca(2+) accumulation in 293 cells stably transfected with the human PAF receptor, and this was inhibited by specific PAF receptor antagonists. Again, treatment of lyso-PAF or lysophosphatidylcholine with recombinant PAF acetylhydrolase, a nonselective phospholipase A(2), or saponification of lyso-PAF destroyed the PAF-like activity, a result incompatible with lyso-PAF or lysophosphatidylcholine being the actual agonist.We conclude that neither lyso-PAF nor lysophosphatidylcholine is a PAF receptor agonist, nor are they inflammatory by themselves. We suggest that PAF or a PAF-like mimetic accounts for inflammatory effects of lysophosphatidylcholine and lyso-PAF.     

Lung endothelial cell platelet-activating factor production and inflammatory cell adherence are increased in response to cigarette smoke component exposure

An early event in the pathogenesis of emphysema is the development of inflammation associated with accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in small airways, and inflammatory cell recruitment from the circulation involves migration across endothelial and epithelial cell barriers. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) promotes transendothelial migration in several vascular beds, and we postulated that increased PAF production in the airways of smokers might enhance inflammatory cell recruitment and exacerbate inflammation. To examine this possibility, we incubated human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-L) with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and found that CSE inhibits PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity. This enhances HMVEC-L PAF production and PMN adherence, and adherence is blocked by PAF receptor antagonists (CV3988 or ginkgolide B). CSE also inhibited PAF-AH activity of lung endothelial cells isolated from wild-type (WT) and iPLA(2)β knockout mice, and with WT cells, CSE enhanced PAF production and RAW 264.7 cell adherence. In contrast, CSE did not affect PAF production or RAW 264.7 cell adherence to iPLA(2)β-null cells, suggesting that iPLA(2)β plays an important role in PAF production by lung endothelial cells. These findings suggest that inhibition of PAF-AH by components of cigarette smoke may initiate or exacerbate inflammatory lung disease by enhancing PAF production and promoting accumulation of inflammatory cells in small airways. In addition, iPLA(2)β is identified as a potential target for therapeutic interventions to reduce airway inflammation and the progression of chronic lung disease.     

Dynamic transport and localization of alpha-synuclein in primary hippocampal neurons

Background

An early event in the neuropathology of prion and Alzheimer's diseases is the loss of synapses and a corresponding reduction in the level of synaptophysin, a pre-synaptic membrane protein essential for neurotransmission. The molecular mechanisms involved in synapse degeneration in these diseases are poorly understood. In this study the process of synapse degeneration was investigated by measuring the synaptophysin content of cultured neurones incubated with the prion derived peptide (PrP82-146) or with Aβ_1-42, a peptide thought to trigger pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease. A pharmacological approach was used to screen cell signalling pathways involved in synapse degeneration.

Results

Pre-treatment with phospholipase A₂ inhibitors (AACOCF₃, MAFP and aristolochic acids) protected against synapse degeneration in cultured cortical and hippocampal neurones incubated with PrP82-146 or Aβ_1-42. Synapse degeneration was also observed following the addition of a specific phospholipase A₂ activating peptide (PLAP) and the addition of PrP82-146 or Aβ_1-42 activated cytoplasmic phospholipase A₂ within synapses. Activation of phospholipase A₂ is the first step in the generation of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF receptor antagonists (ginkgolide B, Hexa-PAF and CV6029) protected against synapse degeneration induced by PrP82-146, Aβ_1-42 and PLAP. PAF facilitated the production of prostaglandin E₂, which also caused synapse degeneration and pre-treatment with the prostanoid E receptor antagonist AH13205 protected against PrP82-146, Aβ_1-42 and PAF induced synapse degeneration.

Conclusions

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that PrP82-146 and Aβ_1-42trigger abnormal activation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A₂ resident within synapses, resulting in elevated levels of PAF and prostaglandin E₂that cause synapse degeneration. Inhibitors of this pathway that can cross the blood brain barrier may protect against the synapse degeneration seen during Alzheimer's or prion diseases.     

Cytokine-induced monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells involves platelet-activating factor: suppression by conjugated linoleic acid

Monocyte-endothelium interaction is key to many acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. We have investigated the factors regulating monocyte attachment to cytokine-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the modulatory effect of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in this process. Both TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induced HUVEC platelet-activating factor (PAF) production and PAF was required for subsequent firm THP-1 monocyte adhesion since it was inhibited by both PAF receptor antagonists (BN-52021 or CV-6209) and a PAF synthesis inhibitor (sanguinarine). CLA inhibited the binding of both THP-1 and isolated human peripheral blood monocytes to HUVEC by up to 40% with the CLA t10,c12 isomer suppressing adhesion dose-dependently. Investigation into the mechanism involved demonstrated that with IL-1beta, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression were largely unaffected by CLA. Through the use of PAF receptor antagonists and PAF synthesis inhibitors, CLA was shown to inhibit cytokine-induced binding by suppressing PAF production. Direct assay of PAF levels confirmed this result. We conclude that endothelial-generated PAF plays a central role in cytokine-induced monocyte adherence to endothelium and that the anti-inflammatory action of PUFAs such as CLA in suppressing monocyte-endothelial interaction is mediated through attenuation of pro-inflammatory phospholipids such as PAF.     

Ginkgolides and bilobalide: their physical, chromatographic and spectroscopic properties

Ginkgolides A, B, C, J, K, L and M and bilobalide are rare terpene trilactones that have been isolated from leaves and root bark of the Chinese tree Ginkgo biloba. The structures of the highly oxidized ginkgolides were independently elucidated in the 1960s by the groups of Nakanishi and Sakabe. Later these compounds were found to be potent and selective antagonists of platelet activating factor, which fact triggered much new research. During the past 40 years, much physical, chromatographic and spectroscopic data have been published on these compounds in various, sometimes inaccessible, sources. The published melting points, solubility in different solvents, ionization constants, chromatographic behaviour, specific optical rotations, UV, IR, MS and NMR data, and X-ray studies are summarized and, where necessary, discussed. The literature until April 2005 has been reviewed.