An X-ray crystallographic study of α-d-allopyranosyl α-d-allopyranoside · CaCl2 · 5H2O (a pentadentate complex)

Three-dimensional, single-crystal, X-ray diffraction methods were used to determine the structure of the calcium chloride complex of α-d-allopyranosyl α-d-allopyranoside. The crystal is monoclinic with cell dimensions: a = 16.262(5), b = 8.345(5), c = 8.298(5)Å, β = 98.428(5)Å, and z = 2. The space group is P2₁. The structure was solved by three-dimensional Patterson and Fourier methods, and was refined by least-squares techniques to give a conventional discrepancy factor of R = 0.026; 2435 diffractometer-read reflections were used. The cation was found to be in 9-fold co-ordination to O-1, O-2, O-3, O-2′, O-3′, and four water molecules.     

Highly hydroxylated or γ-cyclodextrin-bicapped water-soluble derivative of fullerene: The antioxidant ability assessed by electron spin resonance method and β-carotene bleaching assay

Antioxidant ability of the water-soluble derivative of fullerene (C60), prepared by high-degree hydroxylation [C60-(OH)₃₂·8H₂O] or C60/γ-cyclodextrin (1:2 mol/mol) clathrate formation [C60/(γ-CD)₂], was assessed by electron spin resonance method and β-carotene bleaching assay. These C60 derivatives have an ability to diminish a 1:2:2:1 quartet ESR spectrum attributed to hydroxyl radicals (OH) as shown by DMPO-spin trap/ESR method. Meanwhile, a singlet radical-signal different from OH-attributed signals increased in a manner dependent on concentrations of C60-(OH)₃₂·8H₂O. This might suggest that C60-(OH)₃₂·8H₂O scavenges OH owing to dehydrogenation of C60-(OH)₃₂·8H₂O, and is simultaneously oxidized to a stable radical species, which may be a dehydrogenated fullerenol radical (C60-O). Furthermore, these water-soluble derivatives of C60 suppressed fading of yellowish color characteristic of intact β-carotene in β-carotene bleaching assay. Antioxidant abilities of these derivatives were assessed as retention of yellowish color (viz absorbance at 470 nm) for 180 min. Namely, β-carotene-attributed chromaticity (% relative absorbance at 470 nm compared with the control) after 180 min was 69% for C60-(OH)₃₂·8H₂O (400 μM: C60-eq.), and 32% for C60/(γ-CD)₂ (400 μM: C60-eq.), whereas it was 6% for l(+)-ascorbic acid (400 μM) which is hydrophilic, and 85% for (±)-α-tocopherol (400 μM) which is lipophilic, respectively. Thus C60-(OH)₃₂·8H₂O and C60/(γ-CD)₂ can scavenge OH, and have a distinct antioxidative activity in the aqueous system containing linoleic acid which is abundantly contained in the cell membrane together with other unsaturated lipids. These C60 derivatives have a potential to protect the cell membrane from oxidative stress due to OH.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of bis(μ-hydroxo)bis[(2,2 ′-bipyridyl)copper(II)] squarate. Crystal structure of bis(μ-hydroxo)bis[(2,2′-bipyridyl)copper(II)] squarate tetrahydrate

The compound [Cu₂(bipy)₂(OH)₂](C₄O₄)·5.5H₂O, where bipy and C₄O₄²⁻ correspond to 2,2′-bipyridyl and squarate (dianion of 3,4-dihydroxy-3-cyclo- butene-1,3-dione) respectively, has been synthesized. Its magnetic properties have been investigated in the 2–300 K temperature range. The ground state is a spin-triplet state, with a singlet-triplet separation of 145 cm⁻¹. The EPR powder spectrum confirms the nature of the ground state.Well-formed single crystals of the tetrahydrate, [Cu₂(bipy)₂(OH)₂](C₄O₄)·4H₂O, were grown from aqueous solutions and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The system is triclinic, space group P , with a = 9.022(2), b = 9.040(2), c = 8.409(2) Å, α = 103.51(2), β = 103.42(3), γ = 103.37(2)°, V = 642.9(3) ų, Z = 1, D_x = 1.699 g cm⁻³, μ(Mo Kα) = 17.208 cm⁻¹, F(000) = 336 and T= 295 K. A total of 2251 data were collected over the range 1θ25°; of these, 1993 (independent and with I3σ(I)) were used in the structural analysis. The final R and R_w residuals were 0.034 and 0.038 respectively. The structure contains squarato-O¹, O³-bridged bis(μ-hydroxo)bis[(2,2′-bipyridyl)copper(II)] units forming zigzag one-dimensional chains. Each copper atom is in a square-pyramidal environment with the two nitrogen atoms of 2,2′-bipyridyl and the two oxygen atoms of the hydroxo groups building the basal plane and another oxygen atom of the squarate lying in the apical position.The magnetic properties are discussed in the light of spectral and structural data and compared with the reported ones for other bis(μ-hydroxo)bis[(2,2′-bipyridyl)copper(II)] complexes.     

Preparation, X-ray structure and solution behavior of [Ag(9-EtGH-N7)2]NO3·H2O (9-EtGH=9-ethylguanine)

The preparation and X-ray structure of [Ag(9-EtGH-N7)₂]NO₃·H₂O(9-EtGH=neutral 9-ethylguanine) is reported. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P with a=7.063(6), b=7.153(3), c=11.306(10) Å, α=83.36(6), β=76.66(7), γ=81.44(6)°. The cation is centrosymmetric with Ag(I) coordinated via two N7 positions and Ag---N7 bond lengths of 2.11(1) Å. Applying ¹⁰⁹Ag NMR spectroscopy, complex formation constants for both the 1:1 complex (log β₁=0.6) and the title compound (log β₂=1.6) in Me₂SO have been determined.     

Molecular conformation of prostaglandin E2

The crystal and molecular structure of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 with Z = 1 and , , , α = 87.347°, β = 94.042°, and γ = 91.010°. Gauche-gauche interactions appear in both side chains. The efficient molecular packing and hydrogen bonding network appears to stabilize the observed molecular conformation.     

Metal dependent coordination of biomolecular ligand: X-ray crystal structures of copper, cobalt and calcium complexes of (3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylisonicotinic acid) 5-phosphate, an oxidized pyridoxal 5-phosphate

X-ray crystal analyses of divalent copper, cobalt and calcium complexes of monoanionic (3-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylisonicotinic acid) 5-phosphate (L₁C₈H₉NO₇P⁻) revealed the chemical compositions of Cu ---L·3H₂O(1), Co ---L·5H₂O(2) and Ca·L₂·7H₂O (3) and the coordination structures which depend on the coordination abilities and chemical properties of the respective metal ions. Although 1 and 2 crystals showed similar features, i.e., presence of the metal ion at the crystallographic center of symmetry and octahedral six-coordination, the patterns of coordination with the ligand molecules differed. While direct coordination to the L carboxyl oxygen was observed in 1 crystals, all ligation positions in 2 crystals were occupied by water molecules. On the other hand, 3 crystals formed a pentagonal bipyramidal structure (seven-coordination), where oxygens of L phosphates and water molecules coordinated to the calcium ion. Each of the complex structures showed characteristic molecular packing depending on the pattern of coordination to the respective metal ion. L is monoanionic in all complex crystals, where the phosphate and carboxyl groups are deprotonated and pyridine nitrogen is protonated, and is neutralized by each metal ion. Crystal data: 1, monoclinic, space group P2₁/c, A = 5.4129(6), B = 10.515(2), C = 22.770(2) Å, β = 91.853(9)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0404 for 1834 observed reflections; 2, triclinic, space group

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, c = 6.789(3) Å, α = 96.84(3), β = 109.10(3), γ = 100.50(2)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0684 for 1605 observed reflections; 3, triclinic, , a = 10.069(2), B = 14.501(3), c = 10.051(1) Å, α = 100.75(1), β = 97.28(2), γ = 76.18(2)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0540 for 3637 observed reflections.     

Heterocyclic compounds containing antimony 1. Synthesis, physicochemical properties, crystal and molecular structure of 2-(β-hydroxyethylthio) 1,3,2-oxathiastibolane

The compound (HOCH₂CH₂S) ) (1) has been prepared by the reaction of antimony(III) isopropoxide and 2-mercaptoethanol in a 1:2 molar ratio. Reaction of 1 with MOCH₃ (where M = Li, Na and K) yields bimetallic products of the type, M[(OCH₂CH₂S) )]. All these derivatives have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR (¹H and ¹³C) spectra and molar conductivity measurements. Crystals of 1 are triclinic, space group P , with a = 6.449(2), b = 10.285(2), c = 13.494(1) Å, α = 78.08(1), β = 75.99(1), γ = 71.54(2)°, V = 815.48 ų, Z = 4, D_calc = 2.239 g cm⁻³, (Mo Kα) λ = 0.7107 Å, μ = 3.55 mm₋₁, F(000) = 528, T = 295 K, final R = 0.0189 for 2344 reflections. One of the two mercaptoethanol moieties in 1 forms a five-membered chelate ring with antimony, Sb(1)---O(11) = 2.023(2) Å and Sb(1)---S(11) = 2.434(1) Å, while the other is bonded through the S atom only, Sb(1)---S(12) = 2.434(1) Å. The angles between these primary bonds with a mean value of 90.2° suggest a basically pyramidal, or pseudo tetrahedral structure if the stereochemically active lone pair is included in the coordination sphere. Two molecules are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bridges. The presence of weak intermolecular secondary bonding, Sb(1)---O(12) = 2.567(3) Å, in the complex indicates that the overall coordination polyhedron is best described in terms of a distorted trigonal bipyramidal arrangement.     

CO substitution and diphosphine ligand chelation in the reaction between 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) and Re(2(CO)8(μ-H)(μ-η,η-C CPh)

The reaction between the redox-active diphosphine ligand 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-4-cyclopenten-1,3-dione (bpcd) and the dirhenium compound Re₂(CO)₈(μ-H)(μ-η¹,η²-C CPh) in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature proceeds by CO loss to give the dirhenium complex Re₂(CO)₇(bpcd)(μ-H)(η¹-C CPh) (1). This new complex was characterized in solution by IR and NMR (¹H and ³¹P) spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray diffraction analysis. Re₂(CO)₇(bpcd)(μ-H)(η¹-C CPh) crystallizes in the triclinic space group

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γ = 69.240(6)°, V = 2024.9(3) ų, Z = 2, d_calc = 1.862 g cm⁻³ R = 0.0221, R_w = 0.243 for 4066 observed reflections. The bpcd ligand in 1 adopts a chelating mode with a linear phenylacetylide ligand being located on the adjacent rhenium center cis to the bpcd ligand. This complex represents the first structurally characterized example of a hydrido-bridged dirhenium complex possessing both a linear acetylide ligand and a chelating diphosphine ligand.     

Preparation and characterization of some uranyl complexes of amino acids. The crystal structure of [UO2(γ-aminobutanoic acid)3] (NO3)2

Uranyl complexes of glycine, β-alanine and γ-aminobutanoic acid were prepared and characterized. All those studied or examined contain the aminoacids in the zwitterionic form binding the metal through the ionized carboxyl group. The structure of the title compound was determined by X-ray crystallography and refined to R=6.6%. The crystals are triclinic, space group P1, Z = 2, with a = 11.966(5), b = 12.054(5), c = 10.581(5) Å, α = 70.88(3)°, β = 109.89(3)°, and γ = 120.72(3)°. The uranyl group is equatorially bonded to the bidentate carboxylate of three molecules of the organic ligand forming a distorted hexagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry around the metal. U---O(equatorial) distances are in the range 2.24–2.48 Å.     

Structural analysis of two 2-deoxy analogues of α- and β-KDO and the methyl α- and β-glycosides of KDO, and determination of their metal-ion-binding properties

Ammonium 2,6-anhydro-3-deoy- -glycero- -talo-octonate (1), a potent inhibitor of the enzyme CMP-KDO synthetase, its C-2 epimer 2, and the methyl β-(3) and α-glycoside (4) of KDO were studied by ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. Compound 1 was also analysed by X-ray crystallography. Each compound adopted a ⁵C₂ chair conformation with the side chain equatorial. The preponderant side-chain conformation of 1 in solution was the same as that in the crystal and was stabilised by an intramolecular hydrogen bond from HO-8 to the carboxylate group. This hydrogen bond appeared to be present also in 3. However, the side-chain conformation of 2 and 4 was different from that in 1 and 3. The metal-ion-binding properties, determined on the basis of the line-broadening effects of Mn²⁺ on the ¹³C-n.m.r. signals, showed that the carboxylate group was involved in the binding with O-8 in 1 and 3 and with O-6 and O-8 in 2 and 4.     

Characterization, size estimation and solubilization of α-macroglobulin complex receptors in liver membranes

Receptors for α₂-macroglobulin-proteinase complexes have been characterized in rat and human liver membranes. The affinity for binding of ¹²⁵I-labelled α₂-macroglobulin · trypsin to rat liver membranes was markedly pH-dependent in the physiological range with maximum binding at pH 7.8–9.0. The half-time for association was about 5 min at 37°C in contrast to about 5 h at 4°C. The half-saturation constant was about 100 pM at 4°C and 1 nM at 37°C (pH 7.8). The binding capacity was approx. 300 pmol per g protein for rat liver membranes and about 100 pmol per g for human membranes. Radiation inactivation studies showed a target size of 466 ± 71 kDa (S.D., n = 7) for α₂-macroglobulin · trypsin binding activity. Affinity cross-linking to rat and human membranes of ¹²⁵I-labelled rat α₁-inhibitor-3 · chymotrypsin, a 210 kDa analogue which binds to the α₂-macroglobulin receptors in hepatocytes (Gliemann, J. and Sottrup-Jensen, L. (1987) FEBS Lett. 221, 55–60), followed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed radioactivity in a band not distinguishable from that of cross-linked α₂-macroglobulin (720 kDa). This radioactivity was absent when membranes with bound ¹²⁵I-α₁-inhibitor-3 complex were treated with EDTA before cross-linking and when incubation and cross-linking were carried out in the presence of a saturating concentration of unlabelled complex. The saturable binding activity was maintained when membranes were solubilized in the detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]profane sulfonate (CHAPS) and the size of the receptor as estimated by cross-linking experiments was shown to be similar to that determined in the membranes. It is concluded that liver membranes contain high concentrations of an approx. 400–500 kDa α₂-macroglobulin receptor soluble in CHAPS. The soluble preparation should provide a suitable material for purification and further characterization of the receptor.     

Influence of low plasma progesterone concentrations on the release of prostaglandin F2α during luteolysis and oestrus in heifers

A study was conducted to determine the effect of suprabasal plasma concentrations of progesterone on the release of prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α) at luteolysis and oestrus. Heifers received silicone implants containing 2.5 (n = 4), 5 (n = 4), 6 (n = 3), 7.5 (n = 3), 10 (n = 4), or 15 (n = 3) g of progesterone, or an empty implant (controls, n = 4) between Days 8 and 25 post ovulation. Blood was collected frequently between Days 14 and 28 and assayed for progesterone and 15-ketodihydroprostaglandin F_2α. Basal progesterone concentrations in control heifers did not differ from those in heifers with 2.5- or 5-g implants and remained around 0.4−0.5 nmol l⁻¹ until ovulation in all three groups. In the heifers treated with 6–15 g of progesterone, basal concentrations were maintained at higher (P < 0.05) levels compared with those in the controls, ranging from 0.8 to 1.6 nmol 1⁻¹. The effect of these elevated progesterone levels was to delay ovulation by prolonging the growth of the ovulatory follicle, which continued growing until the implant was removed. In all experimental groups, the first significant increase of the PGF_2α metabolite occurred between Days 15.3 and 16.3 (P > 0.05) and was associated with the onset of a decrease in progesterone concentrations, which had reached levels below 3 nmol 1⁻¹ by Days 17.4−19.1. PGF_2α metabolite peaks associated with luteolysis were frequent until Day 20. In the period from Day 20 until implant removal, sporadic peaks were observed, ranging in number from 1.0 ± 1.2 (mean ± SEM) in the control group to 3.0 ± 1.4 peaks in the heifers treated with 7.5 g of progesterone (P > 0.05). The number of PGF_2α metabolite peaks during that period was higher (P < 0.05) in heifers treated with 10 and 15 g than in controls. A positive correlation was found between the basal concentration of progesterone and the number of PGF_2α peaks after luteolysis (r = 0.54; P < 0.01). Plasma progesterone concentrations above approximately 1.4 nmol l⁻¹ were able to maintain the release of PGF_2α until the progesterone implants were removed and plasma levels decreased to basal values. These heifers had a preovulatory PGF_2α release pattern resembling that found in repeat breeder heifers.     

New precursors in the chemistry of IVB transition metal alkoxides V. Synthesis and molecular structure of Zr3Fe(μ4-O)(μ2-OC3H7)6-(OC3H7)4(acac)3

The reaction of iron(III) acetylacetonate with zirconium(IV) n-propanolate in n-propanol leads to a tetranuclear species Zr₃FeO(OC₃H₇)₁₀(acac)₃. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic system (space group P ): a = 12.426(2), b = 12.977(2), c = 20.129(4) Å, α = 91.55(1), β = 97.90(1), γ = 100.53(1)°. The structure consists of discrete tetranuclear molecules. The metal atoms design an almost perfect tetrahedron around a four-fold coordinated oxygen atom. The zirconium atoms are in a seven-fold coordination and the iron atom in a five-fold coordination.     

Evaluation of C-2-substituted 19-nor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs as therapeutic agents for prostate cancer

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1α,25(OH)₂D₃) is known to inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of prostate cancer cells. However, 1α,25(OH)₂D₃can cause hypercalcemia and is not suitable as a therapeutic agent. 19-Nor-vitamin D derivatives are known to be less calcemic when administered systemically. In order to develop more potent anti-cancer agents with less calcemic side effect, we therefore utilized ³H-thymidine incorporation as an index for cell proliferation and examined the antiproliferative activities of nine C-2-substituted 19-nor-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ analogs in the immortalized PZ-HPV-7 normal prostate cell line. Among the nine analogs we observed that the substitution with 2α- or 2β-hydroxypropyl group produced two analogs having antiproliferative potency that is approximately 500- to 1000-fold higher than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃. The ³H-thymidine incorporation data were supported by the cell counting data after cells were treated with 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, 19-nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ or 19-nor-2β-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ for 7 days. 19-Nor-2α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ and 19-nor-2β-(3-hydroxypropyl)-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ were also shown to be about 10-fold more active than 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ in cell invasion studies using prostate cancer cells. In conclusion, a substitution at the C-2 position of 19-nor-1α,25(OH)₂D₃ molecule with a hydroxypropyl group greatly increased the antiproliferative and anti-invasion potencies. Thus, these two analogs could be developed to be effective therapeutic agents for treating early and late stages of prostate cancer.     

The effect of adrenergic stimulation on urinary prostaglandin E2 and 6 keto PGF1α in man

To evaluate the details of the adrenergic stimulation of urinary prostaglandins in man, ten normal volunteers were given various agonists and antagonists. The effect of 4 hour IV infusions of norepinephrine (NE), NE + phentolamine (PHT), NE + phenoxybenzamine (PHB), NE + prazosin (PZ), isoproterenol (ISO), and PHT alone on urinary PGE₂ and PGI₂ (6 keto PGF_1α) were determined. PGE₂ and 6 keto PGF_1α were measured by radioimmunoassay from 4 hour urine samples. NE stimulated both PGE₂ (196±40 to 370±84 ng/4 hrs/g creatinine and 6 keto PGF_1α(184±30 to 326±36), both p<0.01. In contrast, ISO had no effect on either PGE₂ or 6 keto PGF_1α excretion. Alpha blockade with PHT. PHB, or PZ inhibited the NE induced systemic pressor effect. However, the effect of the alpha blockers on the NE induced stimulation of PGE₂ and 6 keto PGF_1α varied. PHT did not alter the NE stimulated PGE₂ or 6 keto PGF_1α release (370±84 vs. 381±80) PGE₂ and (326±50 vs. 315±40) 6 keto PGF_1α, both p>0.2). PHT alone stimulated only 6 keto PGF_1α. PHB and the specific α₁ antagonist PZ similarly eliminated the NE induced prostaglandin release. These results suggest that adrenergically mediated urinary prostaglandin release in man is via an alpha receptor with α₁ characteristics.     

trans-Bis[(thiocyanato-S)(1-methylimidazoline-2(3H)-thione)-μ2-(1-methylimidazoline-2(3H)-thione)copper(I)]: preparation, thermal analysis and crystal structure

1-Methylimidazoline-2(3H)-thione (mimtH) and copper(I) thiocyanate in refluxing ethanolacetonitrile produce a colourless, diamagnetic complex, [Cu₂(mimtH)₄(SCN)₂], which crystallises in an orthorhombic cell (a=8.0724(3), b=15.9545(6), c=21.3357(8) Å), space GROUP=Pbca, Z=4, final R=0.0319 from 2427 observed reflections F>4σ_c(F)). In the dimeric complex the copper(I) atoms are pseudo-tetrahedrally coordinated by pairs of, respectively, asymmetrically μ₂-S bridging mimtH, terminal monodentate-S mimtH, (Cu---S=2.290(1) Å), and terminal monodentate-S thiocyanate, (Cu---S=2.332(1) Å). Each pair of ligands is trans-related to its partner across crystallographic centres of symmetry, consequently, each copper(I) atom has an identical S₄ donor set with angles at the metal ranging from 95.9(1)° to 121.8(1)°. The centro-symmetric Cu₂S₂ core is rhomboid with Cu---S=2.377(1) and 2.457(1) Å, Cu---S_br---Cu=72.6(1)° and Cu---Cu, S_br---S_br separation distances of 2.861(1) and 3.897(2) Å, respectively. Thermal decomposition of the complex in flowing air, (133–1000 °C), involves de-sulfurisation of mimtH and thiocyanate with concomitant production of copper(II) sulfide followed by oxidation to copper(II) oxide.     

Binuclear complexes of a new hexadentate macrocyclic ligand. The crystal and molecular structure of [LCu2(CH3CO2)2](ClO4)2·5H2O

The 30-membered hexaaza macrocylic ligand, L (L=3,7,11,18,22,26-hexaazatricyclo-[26.2.2.2^13,16]tetratriaconta-1(31),13(33),14,16(34),28(32),29-hexaene), is capable of forming binuclear complexes with the divalent transition metal ions Ni, Cu and Zn. The two metal ions are bound by the two dipropylenetriamine units of the macrocycle. Extra coordination sites on the metal ions can be occupied by exogenous ligands such as acetate, chloride and thiocyanate. The crystal structure of one of the di-copper complexes is described: [LCu₂(CH₃CO₂)₂](ClO₄)₂·5H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c (No. 14), with a=9.369(2), b=17.644(3), c= 27.466(3) Å, β=92.90(1)°, U=4534.7 ų and Z=4. The Cu1···Cu2 separation is 8.40(3) Å. The access for potential exogenous bridging ligands, to the cavity between the copper ions, is somewhat restricted by the two phenyl units of the macrocycle which appear almost parallel in the structure. The redox potential of the couple L(Cu²⁺)₂/L(Cu⁺)₂, recorded by cyclic voltammetry for the chloride adduct, [LCu₂Cl₂]Cl₂·5H₂O, is −0.061 V versus SCE in DMF.     

The crystal structures of 4,4′-bipyridinium μ-(4,4′-bipyridine)bis[diaquatetranitratoneodymate(III)]-tris(4,4′-bipyridine) and a second monoclinic form of triaquatrinitratoholmium(III) – bis (4,4′-bipyridine)

The structures of (4-bipyH)₂[(μ-4-bipy)Nd₂(NO₃)₈(H₂O)₄]·3(4-bipy) (4-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine; P2₁/c, a = 18.723(10), b = 10.720(6), c = 18.027(10) Å, β = 94.43(5)°, Z = 2; R = 0.066 for 4931 (diffractometer data) and of a second monoclinic form of [Ho(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃]·2(4-bipy) (P2₁/c, a = 15.830(10), b = 21.44(3), c = 15.70(3) Å, β = 100.4(2)°, Z = 8; R = 0.091 for 2335 film data) are reported. In the first compound pairs of Nd atoms are bridged across a crystal inversion centre by a 4-bipy ligand, and 10-coordination is completed by one monodentate NO₃, three bidentate NO₃, and two H₂O ligands, with bond lengths Nd---N 2.70, Nd---OH₂(av.) 2.44, Nd---O(NO₃, av.) 2.56 Å. The second compound has a variant of the previously-reported monoclinic [Y(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃]·2(4-bipy) structure, with doubling of the unit cell on a but with essentially no change in the geometry and orientation of the nine-coordinate complex. In both compounds the non-coordinated, non-protonated 4-bipy N atoms form hydrogen bonds with ligand H₂O.     

Prostaglandin F2α, oxytocin and progesterone secretion by bovine luteal cells at several stages of luteal development: Effects of oxytocin, luteinizing hormone, prostaglandin F2α and estradiol-17β

Bovine luteal cells from Days 4, 8, 14 and 18 of the estrous cycle were incubated for 2 h (1 × 10⁵ cells/ml) in serum-free media with one or a combination of treatments [control (no hormone), prostaglandin F₂α (PGF), oxytocin (OT), estradiol-17β (E) or luteinizing hormone (LH)]. Luteal cell conditioned media were then assayed by RIA for progesterone (P), PGF, and OT. Basal secretion of PGF on Days 4, 8, 14 and 18 was 173.8 ± 66.2, 111.1 ± 37.8, 57.7 ± 15.4 and 124.3 ± 29.9 pg/ml, respectively. Basal release of OT and P was greater on Day 4 (P<0.01) than on Day 8, 14 and 18 (rmOT: 17.5 ± 2.6 versus 5.6 ± 0.7, 6.0 ± 1.4 and 3.1 ± 0.4 pg/ml; P: 138.9 ± 19.5 versus 23.2 ± 7.5, 35.4 ± 6.5 and 43.6 ± 8.1 ng/ml, respectively). Oxytocin increased (P<0.01) PGF release by luteal cells compared with control cultures irrespective of day of estrous cycle. Estradiol-17β stimulated (P<0.05) PGF secretion on Days 8, 14 and LH increased (P<0.01) PGF production only on Day 14. Prostaglandin F₂α, E and LH had no effect on OT release by luteal cells from any day. Luteinizing hormone alone or in combination with PGF, OT or E increased (P<0.01) P secretion by cells from Days 8, 14 and 18. However on Day 8, a combination of PGF + OT and PGF + E decreased (P<0.05) LH-stimulated P secretion. These data demonstrate that OT stimulates PGF secretion by bovine luteal cells in vitro. In addition, LH and E also stimulate PGF release but effects may vary with stage of estrous cycle.     

Synthesis and biological activity of 17α-alkynylamide derivatives of estradiol

Seven estradiol (E₂) derivatives with an alkynylamide side chain at the 17α position were synthesized starting from ethynylestradiol (EE₂). The main chemical step was the coupling reaction of the acetylide ion of EE₂ with carbon dioxide, glutaric anhydride or bromoalkyl ortho ester. The synthesis of these compounds is fast (3–6 steps according to the compound) and is easily achieved with good yield. Five compounds with different side chain lenghts were evaluated for uterotrophic and antiuterotrophic activity in the CD-1 mouse. None of the tested compounds shows estrogenic activity in this sensitive in vitro system. At low doses (1 and 3 μg), a 14–57% inhibition of E₂-induced uterine growth was observed while no additional inhibition was observed at the 10, 20 and 30 μg doses. In human breast carcinoma cells in culture, all compounds show estrogenic activity at high concentrations while only compound 39 (N-buty,N-methyl-8-[3′,17′β-dihydroxy estra-1′,3′,5′(10′)-trien-17′α-yl]-7-octynamide) possesses antiproliferative or antiestrogenic effects. No significant correlation could be demonstrated between alkynylamide side chain length and estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity. Among the compounds tested, the derivative of EE₂ possessing a five-methylene (CH₂) side chain (compound 39) possesses the best antiestrogenic activity (44 ± 7% in the CD-1 mouse uterus assay at the 3μg dose and 57 ± 4% at 0.1 nM in human ZR-75-1 cancer cells in culture).