In the search for new anticancer drugs XII. Synthesis and biological evaluation of spin labeled nitrosoureas

The spin labeled nitrosourea 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(1-oxyl-2,2,6,6- tetramethyl-piperidinyl)-1-nitrosourea (SLCNU, 4) and its analogues 5-7 were synthesized either by a regio-selective method or by a conventional route via the nitrosation of the spin labeled intermediates (11a-e). Nitrosation of the ureas 11a-e with dinitrogen tetraoxide resulted in better yields than those obtained with sodium nitrite. The nitrosoureas 4-8 were tested for their anticancer activity against the lymphocytic leukemia P388 in mice. Thus, either at the equal molar dose or at the dose of equal toxicity level, the SLCNU (4) was found to be more active than the clinically used CCNU (1). Unlike CCNU (1) whose LD50 is 56 mg/kg, the SLCNU (4) possesses a low toxicity (LD50 123 mg/kg). Therefore, SLCNU (4) is a promising new entry into the nitrosourea class of anticancer drugs.     

A novel class of achiral seco-analogs of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins: design, synthesis, DNA binding, and anticancer properties

The synthesis, DNA binding properties, and in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of fifteen achiral seco-cyclopropylindoline (or achiral seco-CI) analogs (5a-o) of CC-1065 and the duocarmycins are described. The achiral seco-CI analogs contain a 4-hydroxyphenethyl halide moiety that is attached to a wide range of indole, benzimidazole, pyrrole, and pyridyl-containing noncovalent binding components. The 4-hydroxyphenethyl halide moiety represents the simplest mimic of the seco-cyclopropylpyrroloindoline (seco-CPI) pharmacophore found in the natural products, and it lacks a chiral center. The sequence and minor groove specificity of the achiral compounds was ascertained using a Taq DNA polymerase stop assay and a thermal induced DNA cleavage experiment using either a fragment of pBR322 or pUC18 plasmid DNA. For example, seco-CI-InBf (5a) and seco-CI-TMI (5c) demonstrated specificity for AT-rich sequences, particularly by reacting with the underlined adenine-N3 position of 5'-AAAAA(865)-3'. This is also the sequence that CC-1065 and adozelesin prefer to alkylate. The achiral seco-CI compounds were subjected to cytotoxicity studies against several human (K562, LS174T, PC3, and MCF-7) and murine cancer cell lines (L1210 and P815). Following continuous drug exposure, the achiral compounds were found to be cytotoxic, with IC(50) values in the muM range. Interestingly, the carbamate protected compound 5p was significantly less cytotoxic than agent 5c, supporting the hypothesis that loss of HCl and formation of a spiro[2,5]cyclopropylcyclohexadienone intermediate is necessary for biological activity. The achiral seco-CI compounds 5a and 5c were submitted to the National Cancer Institute for further cytotoxicity screening against a panel of 60 different human cancer cell lines. Both compounds showed significant activity, particularly against several solid tumor cell lines. Flow cytometry studies of P815 cells that were incubated with compound 5c at its IC(50) concentration for 24h showed induction of apoptosis in a large percentage of cells. Compounds 5a and 5c were selected by the NCI for an in vivo anticancer hollow-fiber test, and received composite scores of 18 and 22, respectively. These two compounds were subsequently evaluated for in vivo anticancer activity against the growth of a human advanced stage SC UACC-257 melanoma in skid mice. At a dose of 134 mg/kg administered IP, compound 5c gave a T/C value of 40% (for day 51), and the median number of days of doubling tumor growth was 27.7, versus 15.8 for untreated animals. For compound 5a, at 200mg/kg, the T/C was 58% and the median number of days of doubling tumor growth was 20.0 versus 8.7 for untreated animals. At these doses no toxicity or weight loss was observed for either compound. Furthermore, compound 5c was not toxic to murine bone marrow cell growth in culture, at a dose that was toxic for the previously reported seco-CBI (cyclopropylbenzoindoline)-TMI (4).     

Synthesis and anticancer activity of 4-amino-5-oxo-8-(beta-D-xylofuranosyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine

4-Amino-5-oxo-8-(beta-D-xylofuranosyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (4) was recently synthesized and evaluated in our laboratories for anticancer activities. This compound showed potent in vitro inhibitory effects on the growth of HTB-81 prostate cancer cells and Daudi-lymphoma. In vivo studies showed that the compound could inhibit HTB-81 tumor growth in syngeneic mice by 93% at a daily dose of 8.5 mg/kg for 10 days.     

Synthesis, structural characterization, and antitumor activity of palladium(II) complexes containing a sugar unit

Six palladium(II) complexes as cisplatin derivatives with a sugar unit (D-glucose, D-galactose, D-mannose, D-xylose, and maltose) have been prepared. The structural features of the complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The complexes have been tested for in vivo cytotoxicity against P388 cells implanted in mice. All of Pd compounds are apparently nontoxic. A T/C value of 120% was obtained for maltose derivative at the dose of 400 mg/kg, which indicates that the compound may be endowed with antitumor activity.     

Antagonism between long acting Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) and MD780515, a new specific and reversible MAOI

The inhibition of type A and B monoamine oxidase (MAO A and B) in rat brain, liver and heart by MD780515, 3-[4-(3 cyanophenylmethoxy) phenyl]-5-(methoxymethyl)-2-oxazolidinone, has been investigated ex vivo with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and β-phenylethylamine (PEA) as substrates. MAO A was strongly inhibited for four hours after oral administration of 10 mg/kg MD780515 (maximum inhibition : 72%, 86% and 83% in brain, liver and heart respectively. In contrast, in heart where PEA is deaminated by type A MAO, the predominant form of MAO in that tissue, the inhibition was 68% 30 minutes after administration of the compound. In all cases, MAO activities reached control values 24 hours after drug administration (10 mg/kg), whereas some inhibitory activity was still present 24 hours after oral administration of higher doses. The strong MAO A inhibition (68 to 83%) remaining in the three tissues 24 hours after oral administration of clorgyline (5 mg/kg) was completely removed by pretreatment with MD780515 (10 mg/kg). In the same conditions, MD780515 protected against the inhibition (53%) by clorgyline of PEA deamination in heart. Oral pretreatment with increasing doses of MD780515 (2.6 to 84 mg/kg) gradually removed brain MAO A inhibition caused by clorgyline (92%, 28.2 mg/kg) or tranylcypromine (88%, 4.8 mg/kg), the complete removal being observed at the dose of 21 mg/kg of MD780515 for clorgyline, and at 42 mg/kg for tranylcypromine. Inhibition of brain MAO B by tranylcypromine (96%) was not modified by pretreatment with the same range of oral doses of MD780515. The results are consistent with a specific and reversible inhibition of MAO A activity by MD780515 which can protect against long acting MAO A inhibitory effects of clorgyline and tranylcypromine. MD780515 enhances the selectivity of tranylcypromine.     

N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer-6-(3-aminopropyl)-ellipticine conjugates. Synthesis, in vitro, and preliminary in vivo evaluation

Ellipticine derivatives have potential as anticancer drugs. Their clinical use has been limited, however, by poor solubility and host toxicity. As N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-anticancer conjugates are showing promise in early clinical trials, a series of novel HPMA copolymer conjugates have been prepared containing the 6-(3-aminopropyl)-ellipticine derivative (APE, NSC176328). Drug was linked to the polymer via GFLG or GG peptide side chains. To optimize biological behavior, HPMA copolymer-GFLG-APE conjugates with different drug loading (total APE: 2.3-7% w/w; free APE: <0.1% w/w) were synthesized. Conjugation of APE to HPMA copolymers considerably increased its aqueous solubility (>10-fold). HPMA copolymer-GG-APE did not liberate drug in the presence of isolated lysosomal enzymes (tritosomes), but HPMA copolymer-GFLG-APE released APE to a maximum of 60% after 5 h. The rate of drug release was influenced by drug loading; lower loading led to greater release. Whereas free APE (35 microg/mL) caused significant hemolysis (50% after 1 h), HPMA copolymer-APE conjugates were not hemolytic up to 300 microg/mL (APE-equiv). As would be expected from its cellular pharmacokinetics, HPMA copolymer-GFLG-APE was >75 times less cytotoxic than free drug (IC(50) approximately 0.4 microg/mL) against B16F10 melanoma in vitro. However, in vivo when tested in mice bearing s.c. B16F10 melanoma, HPMA copolymer-GFLG-APE (1-10 mg/kg single dose, APE-equiv) given i.p. was somewhat more active (highest T/C value of 143%) than free APE (1 mg/kg) (T/C =127%). HPMA copolymer-APE conjugates warrant further evaluation as potential anticancer agents.     

Synthesis and anticancer activity of thiosemicarbazones

Twenty-six thiosemicarbazones (III-1-III-26) were synthesized via three steps starting from hydrazine hydrate and carbon disulfide. The testing of anticancer activity of these compounds in vitro against P-388, A-549, and SGC-7901 shows that compounds III-15 and III-16 possess a higher inhibitory ability for P-388 and SGC-7901. Further testing shows that the value of IC50 of compound III-16 against SGC-7901 reaches to 0.032 microM.     

Stochastic entropy QSAR for the in silico discovery of anticancer compounds: prediction, synthesis, and in vitro assay of new purine carbanucleosides

A Markov model based QSAR is introduced for the rational selection of anticancer compounds. The model discriminates 90.3% of 226 structurally heterogeneous anticancer/non-anticancer compounds in training series. External validation series were used to validate the model; the 91.8% containing 85 compounds, not considered to fit the model, were correctly classified. The model developed is afterwards used in a simulation of a virtual search for anticancer compounds never considered either in training or in predicting series. The 87.7% of the 213 anticancer compounds used in this simulated search were correctly classified. The model also shows high values for specificity (0.89), sensitivity (0.91), and Mathews correlation coefficient (0.79). In addition, the present model compares better-to-similar with respect to other four models elsewhere reported if one takes into consideration 26 comparison parameters. Finally, we exemplify the use of the model in practice with the design of a new series of carbanucleosides. The compounds evaluated with the model were synthesized and experimentally assayed for their antitumor effects on the proliferation of murine leukemia cells (L1210/0) and human T-lymphocyte cells (CEM/0 and Molt4/C8). The more interesting activity was detected for the compound 5a with a predicted probability of 80.2% and IC(50) = 27.0, 27.2, and 29.4 microM, respectively, against the above-mentioned cellular lines. These values are comparable to those for the control compound Ara-A.     

Anthelmintic profile of methyl 5(6)-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl) carbonylbenzimidazole-2-carbamate in experimental helminthiases

Biological evaluation of methyl 5(6)-(4-methylpiperidin-1-yl) carbonylbenzimidazole-2-carbamate against Ancylostoma ceylanicum, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Syphacia obvelata, Hymenolepis nana, H. diminuta and Cysticercus fasciolaris in experimental animals is reported. The compound (mg/kg) causes 100% elimination of A. ceylanicum (25 x 1), N. brasiliensis (100 x 1), S. obvelata (50 x 1), H. nana (250 x 3) and C. fasciolaris (50 x 10). It was also effective against the developing larvae (L3, L4 and L5) of A. ceylanicum at a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg. Another study indicated that the compound elicits 100% response within 32 hr of drug administration. The drug is well tolerated and LD50 is greater than 4500 mg/kg.     

Losartan, a nonpeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist, inhibits neointima formation following balloon injury to rat carotid arteries.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to inhibit intimal thickening following balloon catheterization of rat carotid arteries. To assess the role of the renin-angiotensin pathway and the angiotensin type-I (AT1) receptor in this effect, the nonpeptide Ang II antagonist losartan (DuP 753) or vehicle was infused continuously i.v. in rats from two days before to two weeks after balloon injury to the left common carotid artery; drug effects upon intimal thickening were examined histologically. Losartan produced a dose-dependent reduction in cross-sectional area of intimal lesions determined two weeks post balloon injury. At 5 mg/kg/day a nonsignificant 23% reduction of intimal area was observed. At the higher dose of 15 mg/kg/day, losartan produced a 48% reduction in intimal area (P less than 0.05) compared to the vehicle-infused group. The cellular density of the neointima was not affected by losartan, indicating a probable effect of the drug upon migration and/or proliferation of smooth muscle cells. In separate groups of non-ballooned rats, losartan infusions of 5 and 15 mg/kg/day produced significant rightward shifts (averaging 6.4- and 55-fold, respectively) in curves relating increases in blood pressure to intravenous Ang II in pithed rats determined between 2 and 16 days following initiation of losartan infusion. Mean arterial blood pressure (determined under alpha-chloralose anesthesia) was reduced following continuous losartan infusion for 6 days from 128 +/- 8 mm Hg (vehicle) to 105 +/- 8 mm Hg at 5 mg/kg/day (P less than 0.05), and 106 +/- 4 mm Hg at 15 mg/kg/day (P less than 0.05). Thus, losartan attenuated the vascular response to balloon catheter injury, and this effect was associated with functional block of vascular AT1 receptors. The results support a role for Ang II, acting via AT1 receptors, in myointimal thickening subsequent to balloon injury of rat carotid arteries.     

Anti-tumor activity of new orally bioavailable 2-amino-5-(thiophen-2-yl)benzamide-series histone deacetylase inhibitors, possessing an aqueous soluble functional group as a surface recognition domain

New orally bioavailable 5-(thiophen-2-yl)-substituted 2-aminobenzamide-series histone deacetylase inhibitors were synthesized. These compounds possess a morpholine or piperadine-derived moiety as an aqueous soluble functional group. Among them, 8b, having a 4-ethyl-2,3-dioxopiperazine-1-carboxamide group as a surface recognition domain, showed promising inhibitory activities against HCT116 cell growth and HDAC1/2. Notably, unlike MS-275, this compound did not induce apoptosis in the cell cycle tests. We therefore conducted antitumor tests of 8b and MS-275 against HCT116 cell xenografts in nude mice. Compound 8b reduced the volume of tumor mass to T/C: 60% and 47% at 45 and 80mg/kg over 16days, respectively. These values were comparable to the rate (T/C: 51% at 45mg/kg) for MS-275. Furthermore, 8b, at neither 45 nor 80mg/kg, induced the weight loss which was observed in the mice given MS-275 at 45mg/kg.     

Design, synthesis, and anticancer activity of phosphonic acid diphosphate derivative of adenine-containing butenolide and its water-soluble derivatives of paclitaxel with high antitumor activity

Synthesis of adenine derivative of triphosphono-gamma-(Z)-ethylidene-2,3-dimethoxybutenolide 4 was accomplished by treatment of phosphonate 3 with 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate in the presence of 5-phosphoribosyl 1-pyrophosphate synthetase. It was found that triphosphonate 4 functions as an irreversible stoichiometric inactivator of the Escherichia coli ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase (RDPR). Triphosphonate 4 exhibited potent inhibitory activity against murine leukemias (L1210 and P388), breast carcinoma (MCF7), and human T-lymphoblasts (Molt4/C8 and CEM/0) cell lines. Paclitaxel ester derivatives of adenine-containing triphosphono-gamma-(Z)-ethylidene-2,3-dimethoxybutenolide 8-10 were also synthesized. Like triphosphonate 4, compound 8 exhibited inhibitory property toward RDPR. It also induced microtubule assembly similar to paclitaxel (5). The structure of the chlorodiester linker in 8 was found to account for this dual property. After treatment of MCF7 cells with compounds 4, 5, and 8, fluorescence microscope examination demonstrated the presence of nucleus shrinkage or segmentation. Bifunctional prodrug 8 exhibited higher lipophilicity than 4 and higher water-solubility than 5. Pro-dual-drug 8 exhibited more pronounced anticancer activity relative to that of the triphosphonate 4 and paclitaxel (5). In contrast, compound 9, resulting from the linkage of triphosphonate 4 and paclitaxel (5) through a diester unit, was only found to function as a highly water-soluble prodrug for paclitaxel (5). It induced microtubule assembly in vitro, but did not show inhibitory property toward RDPR. On the other hand, compound 10, an aggregate of triphosphonate 4 and paclitaxel (5), neither functioned as an inhibitor of RDPR nor exhibited microtubule assembly stimulating activity in vitro.     

Antileukemic Activities and Mechanism of Action of 2′-Deoxy-4′-methylcytidine and Related Nucleosides

Abstract

Antileukemic activity of several analogues containing 2′-deoxy-4′-methylcytidine and its araC counterpart were evaluated against murine leukemic P388 cells in vitro and in vivo. Both compounds showed significant cytostatic activity (both IC₅₀=0.4 μM) in vitro and the former compound administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day × 5 showed high activity (T/C=175%) in vivo. The mechanism of action of these 5′-triphosphates on DNA polymerases in detail will be also described.     

Synthesis and anticancer evaluation of vitamin K(3) analogues

Novel vitamin K(3) analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. Compound 6, 9, 10, 11, 14, and (+/-)15 demonstrated a strong inhibitory activity against the tumor cells of A-549, Hep G2, MCF7, MES-SA, MES-SA/Dx5, MKN45, SW-480, and TW-039. Compound (+/-)15 displayed potent tumor cell cytotoxicity, and compound 14 selectively affected MCF7, even though it did not influence normal cells Detroit551 and WI-38. Compound (+/-)15 inhibited MES-SA and MES-SA/Dx5, and this specific result shows that compound (+/-)15 may become a good anticancer drug candidate.     

Syntheses and spectroscopic studies of potential antitumor copper(II) complexes with 5-phenylazo-3-methoxy salicylidene thiosemicarbazone and N4 substituted thiosemicarbazones

Five new copper(II) complexes of 5-phenylazo-3-methoxy salicylidene thiosemicarbazone and N4 substituted thiosemicarbazones have been synthesized. They have been characterized by chemical analyses, magnetic, conductance data, and by ultraviolet (UV)--visible, infrared, and electron spin resonance spectra. The complexes have the general formula CuL2, where HL is the ligand. One representative complex has been screened in vitro and in vivo against P388 lymphocytic leukemia cells sensitive and resistant to adriamycin (P388/S and P388/R). It has shown promising growth inhibition activity. We are reporting here for the first time the antineoplastic activity of this complex against experimental tumor systems.     

Plasmodium cynomolgi: gametocytocidal activity of the anti-malarial compound CDRI 80/53 (elubaquine) in rhesus monkeys

The gametocytocidal action of a new enamine analogue of primaquine, elubaquine (compound CDRI 80/53, bulaquine), has been evaluated against Plasmodium cynomolgi B in rhesus monkeys. Colony bred Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were fed on gametocyte carrying rhesus monkeys prior to and at varying intervals after oral administration of a single dose of elubaquine at doses ranging between 0.63 and 5.00 mg/kg. Complete loss of oocyst development and mosquito infectivity was observed within 24 h after administering a single 1.25 mg/kg dose, while higher dose of 3.75 mg/kg inhibited oocyst development within 5 h, indicating gametocytocidal action of the compound. Elubaquine did not show any action against developing oocysts in the vector.     

R 76713, a new specific non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor

The effects of R 76713, a new triazole derivative, on rat ovarian, testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro R 76713 is a very potent inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme in rat granulosa cells, showing an IC50-value of 3.0 +/- 0.2 nM. The compound is about 1000 times more active than aminoglutethimide which shows an IC50-value of 3900 +/- 2800 nM in the same system. R 76713 is also a highly selective aromatase inhibitor. In cultures of ovarian, testicular and adrenal cells, formation of progesterone, androgens and glucocorticoids was only affected by drug concentrations higher than 1 microM. In vivo, single oral drug doses of 0.05 mg/kg lowered plasma estradiol levels of PMSG-primed female rats by more than 90%. An ED50-value of 0.005 mg/kg could be calculated. A single oral dose of 1 mg/kg suppressed plasma estradiol levels almost completely for 24 h. A dose of 0.1 mg/kg lowered plasma estradiol by more than 90% for 8 h. In vivo, R 76713 also showed a highly selective profile. In LHRH/ACTH-injected rats, plasma levels of testicular and adrenal steroids remained unchanged after administration of a drug dose of 20 mg/kg. R 76713 at drug concentrations of 10 microM, showed no interaction in vitro with estrogen-, progestin-, androgen- and glucocorticoid-receptors. Given orally at 20 mg/kg for 3 days the compound also showed no estrogen or androgen agonistic or antagonistic effects.     

Design,synthesis, and biological activity of Plastoquinone analogs as a new class of anticancer agents

In this paper, based on Plastoquinone (PQ) analogs possessing substituted aniline containing alkoxy group(s), new 2,3-dimethyl-5-amino-1,4-benzoquinones (PQ1-15) were designed and synthesized in either two steps or one-pot reaction. Specifically, the substituted amino moiety containing mono or poly alkoxy group(s) with various positions and groups were mainly explored to understand the structure-activity relationships for the cytotoxic activity against three human cancer cell lines (K562, Jurkat, and MT-2) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PQ2 was found to be most effective anticancer compound on K562 and Jurkat cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 6.40 ± 1.73 μM and 7.72 ± 1.49 μM, respectively. Interestingly, the compound was non-cytotoxic to normal PBMC and also MT-2 cancer cells. PQ2 which showed significant selectivity in MTT assay was chosen for apoptotic/necrotic evaluation and results exhibited that it induced apoptosis in K562 cell line after 6 h of treatment. PQ2 showed anti-Abelson kinase 1 (Abl1) activity with different inhibitory profile than Imatinib in the panel of eight kinases. The binding mode of PQ2 into Abl ATP binding pocket was predicted in silico showing the formation of some key interactions. In addition, PQ2 induced Bcr-Abl1 mediated ERK pathway in human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells. Furthermore, DNA-cleaving capability of PQ2 was clearly enhanced by iron (II) complex system. Afterward, a further in silico ADMET prediction revealed that PQ2 possesses desirable drug-like properties and favorable safety profile. These results indicated that PQ2 has multiple mechanism of action and two of them are anti-Bcr-Abl1 and DNA-cleaving activity. This study suggests that Plastoquinone analogs could be potential candidates for multi-target anticancer therapy.     

PF 9601N [N-(2-propynyl)-2-(5-benzyloxy-indolyl) methylamine], a new MAO-B inhibitor,attenuates MPTP-induced depletion of striatal dopamine levels in C57/BL6 mice

Monoamine oxidase isoform B (MAO-B) is involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) induced by the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxin (MPTP) in human and non-human-primate. MAO-B inhibitors, such as L-deprenyl have shown to prevent against MPTP-toxicity in different species, and it has been used in Parkinson therapy, however, the fact that it is metabolized to (-)-methamphetamine and (-)-amphetamine highlights the need to find out new MAO-B inhibitors without a structural amphetaminic moiety. In this context we herein report, for the first time, anywhere a novel non-amphetamine-like MAO-B inhibitor, PF 9601N, N-(2-propynyl)-2-(5-benzyloxy-indolyl) methylamine. This attenuates the MPTP-induced striatal dopamine depletion in young-adult and adult-old C57/BL mice, using different schedules of administration, and which behave "ex vivo" as a slightly more potent and selective MAO-B inhibitor than L-deprenyl, assayed for comparative purposes in the same experimental conditions. The MAO-B ID(50) values were calculated from the total MAO-B activity measured against [14C] phenylethylamine (22 microM) as substrate, at each inhibitor concentration. The MAO-B ID(50) values resulted to be 381 and 577 nmol/kg for PF 9601N and L-deprenyl, respectively. The intraperitoneally (i.p.) co-administration to young-adult C57/BL6 mice of MPTP (30 mg/kg), with different concentrations of PF 9601N or L-deprenyl (29.5-0.357 micromol/kg) showed a dose-dependent protective effect against striatal dopamine depletion, measuring the dopamine contents and its metabolites by HPLC. The ED(50) value proved to be 3.07 micromol/kg without any significant differences between either MAO-B inhibitor. Nevertheless, lower doses of PF 9601N (1.5 micromol/kg) were necessary to get almost total protection, without any change in the DOPAC and HVA content, when administered 2 h before MPTP (30 mg/kg), whereas partial protection (45%) against dopamine depletion was observed in the case of L-deprenyl. In both cases, MAO-B inhibition was a necessary condition in order to observe the protective effect. When adult-old (8-10 months) C57/BL6 mice were used, MPTP (25 mg/kg) administration induced 25 days later, an irreversible dopamine depletion. In these conditions, chronic administration with 0.15 micromol/kg of PF 9601N, before the toxin, every 24 h for 10 days, rendered almost total protection of dopamine depletion, whereas L-deprenyl yielded only 50% protection of the dopamine content, assayed in the same conditions. It is worth remarking, that in both cases MAO-B was not affected. From these results, it can be concluded that PF 9601N attenuates MPTP neurotoxicity "in vivo" better than L-deprenyl through different mechanisms, with special relevance to the protective effect, independent of MAO-B inhibition, observed in the irreversibly MPTP-lesioned adult-old mice. Therefore, this novel non-amphetamine MAO-B inhibitor could be potentially effective in PD therapy.