Synthesis and structure determination of 6-methylbenzo[a]pyrene-deoxyribonucleoside adducts and their identification and quantitation in vitro and in mouse skin

Activation of the moderate carcinogen 6-methylbenzo[a]pyrene (6-CH(3)BP) by one-electron oxidation to form DNA adducts was studied. Iodine oxidation of 6-CH(3)BP in the presence of dGuo produces BP-6-CH(2)-N(2)dGuo, BP-6-CH(2)-N7Gua and a mixture of 6-CH(3)BP-(1&3)-N7Gua, whereas in the presence of Ade the adducts BP-6-CH(2)-N1Ade, BP-6-CH(2)-N3Ade, BP-6-CH(2)-N7Ade and 6-CH(3)BP-(1&3)-N1Ade are obtained. Furthermore, for the first time an aromatic hydrocarbon radical cation afforded an adduct with dThd, the stable adduct BP-6-CH(2)-N3dThd. Formation of these adducts indicates that the 6-CH(3)BP radical cation has charge localized at the 6, 1 and 3 position. When 6-CH(3)BP was activated by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of DNA, two depurinating adducts were identified, BP-6-CH(2)-N7Gua (48%) and 6-CH(3)BP-(1&3)-N7Gua (23%), with 29% unidentified stable adducts. In the binding of 6-CH(3)BP catalyzed by rat liver microsomes, the same two depurinating adducts, BP-6-CH(2)-N7Gua (22%) and 6-CH(3)BP-(1&3)-N7Gua (10%), were identified, with 68% unidentified stable adducts. In 6-CH(3)BP-treated mouse skin, the two depurinating adducts, BP-6-CH(2)-N7Gua and 6-CH(3)BP-(1&3)-N7Gua, were identified. Although quantitation of these two adducts was not possible due to coelution of metabolites on HPLC, they appeared to be the major adducts found in mouse skin. These results show that 6-CH(3)BP forms depurinating adducts only with the guanine base of DNA, both in vitro and in mouse skin. The weaker reactivity of 6-CH(3)BP radical cation vs. BP radical cation could account for the weaker tumor-initiating activity of 6-CH(3)BP in comparison to that of BP.     

Synthesis and structure of 6-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-D-erythro-hexono-1,6-lactam and 6-amino-3,6-dideoxy-D-xylo-hexono-1,6-lactam

Solid-state conformations of 6-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-D-erythro-hexono-1,6-lactam (3a) and 6-amino-3,6-dideoxy-D-xylo-hexono-1,6-lactam (7a) were determined using X-ray diffraction. Conformations of the compounds 3a, 7a, and their per-O-acetyl derivatives 4,5-di-O-acetyl-6-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-D-erythro-hexono-1,6-lactam (3b) and 2,4,5-tri-O-acetyl-6-amino-3,6-dideoxy-D-xylo-hexono-1,6-lactam (7b) in solutions were deduced from the analysis of NMR spectra using a modified Karplus equation and compared with the results of circular dichroism measurement of lactams 3a and 7a. Conformation 4C(1,N) was revealed for solid lactams 3a and 7a and for lactams 7a and 7b in solution, while lactams 3a and 3b in solution exist in the approximately 1:1 equilibrium of the conformers 4C(1,N) and (1,N)C4.     

Human herpesvirus 7: antigenic properties and prevalence in children and adults.

The recent isolation of human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) from activated CD4+ T lymphocytes of a healthy individual raises questions regarding the prevalence of this virus in humans and its immunological relationship to previously characterized human herpesviruses. We report that HHV-7 is a ubiquitous virus which is immunologically distinct from the highly prevalent T-lymphotropic HHV-6. Thus, (i) only two of six monoclonal antibodies to HHV-6 cross-reacted with HHV-7-infected cells, (ii) Western immunoblot analyses of viral proteins revealed different patterns for HHV-6- and HHV-7-infected cells, (iii) tests of sequential serum samples from children revealed seroconversion to HHV-6 without concomitant seroconversion to HHV-7, and (iv) in some instances HHV-7 infection occurred in the presence of high titers of HHV-6 antibodies, suggesting the lack of apparent protection of children seropositive for HHV-6 against subsequent infection with HHV-7. On the basis of the analyses of sera from children and adults it can be concluded that HHV-7 is a prevalent human herpesvirus which, like other human herpesviruses, infects during childhood. The age of infection appears to be somewhat later than the very early age documented for HHV-6.     

π-Arene complexes.: Part 12. Synthesis of chromiumtricarbonyl complexes of quinoline and N-methylindoles and selected metallation reactions

The lithiation of indole, using a slight excess of n-butyl lithium in THF, followed by methylation and reaction with [Cr(CO)₆] in refluxing dibutyl ether, resulted in the formation of [Cr(η⁶-N-methylindole)(CO)₃] (1a) and [Cr(η⁶-N-methyl-2-methylindole)(CO)₃] (1b). In contrast, lithiation of quinoline in THF, silylation and the subsequent reaction with [Cr(CO)₆] under similar reaction conditions, afforded [Cr(η⁶-N-trimethylsilyl-2-butyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline)(CO)₃] (2) and [Cr(η⁶-{2-butyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline})(CO)₃] (3). The formation of [Cr(η⁶-2,2′-bis{N-methylindolyl})(CO)₃] (4) implied lithiation at the 2-position of 1a. However, metallation at the 7-position was also indicated during the same reaction. In the presence of [Mn(CO)₅Br], product 4 and the transmetallation product [Cr(η⁶-{7-(N-methylindolyl)Mn(CO)₅})(CO)₃] (5) were isolated. Reaction with titanocene dichloride gave [Cr(η⁶-{2-(N-methylindolyl)TiCp₂Cl})(CO)₃] (6), which slowly converted into [TiCp₂{Cr(η⁶-2-(N-methylindolyl)(CO)₃}₂] (7).     

Compensating ability in pollen fertilization between group-6 and -7 homoeologous chromosomes of barley and wheat

By using alpha-amylase isozymes as markers for chromosomes of homoeologous groups 6 and 7, we analyzed the segregation of chromosome constitution in the progenies from crosses between double-ditelosomic or ditelosomic lines of hexaploid wheat cultivar 'Chinese Spring' (CS) as the female parent and double-monosomic F1 hybrids of CS x wheat-barley substitution lines for barley chromosomes 6H or 7H. From this analysis we estimated the transmission rate via pollen of barley chromosomes 6H and 7H in the double-monosomics and evaluated the compensating ability between barley and wheat chromosomes in homoeologous groups 6 and 7. The results indicated that both 6H and 7H showed their highest compensating ability for their respective homoeologous wheat chromosomes 6A (37.5% transmission rate) and 7A (39.4%), intermediate for 6D (34.1%) and 7D (29.6%), and lowest for 6B (26.6%) and 7B (22.6%) chromosomes.     

Formation and removal of DNA adducts after treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cells with N-methyl- and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea

We have studied formation and stability of alkylguanines following treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cells with either N-[3H]methyl-N-nitrosourea (MeNOUr) (applied at 50 microM and 40 microM concentrations) or N-[3H]ethyl-N-nitrosourea (EtNOUr) (applied at 43.1 microM). Analyses of acid hydrolysates of the methylated DNA revealed that 9.3% and 57.0% of the total DNA were O6-methylguanine (m6Gua) and 7-methylguanine (m7Gua), respectively. Analysis of enzymic hydrolysate resulted in 8.2% m6Gua and 50.3% m7Gua. For ethylation, the % of ethylated purines identified as O6-ethylguanine (e6Gua) and 7-ethylguanine (e7Gua) were 20.4% and 31.3%, respectively. Half-lives of the main alkylated purines were determined by analysing DNA of dividing cultures over a time interval of 48 h after treatment with carcinogens. Half-lives measured for methylated DNA bases were: m1Ade, 20.6 h; m3Ade, 25.5 h; m7Ade, 0.9 h; m3Gua, 1.1 h; m6Gua, infinity; m7Gua, 39.1 h. Determinations at the level of deoxyribonucleosides resulted in similar half-lives: m3dA, 15.2 h; m7dA, 2.7 h; m3dG, 2.3 h; m6dG, 224 h; m7dG, 25.6 h. The corresponding values for ethylated purines were: e3Ade, 2.9 h; e7Ade, 7.1 h; e3Gua, 1.4 h; e6Gua, infinity; e7Gua, 42.6 h. The relatively high yields of the premutagenic m6Gua and e6Gua, and their long half-lives (greater than or equal to 224 h) are consistent with the suggestion that these adducts play a dominant role in mutation induction at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (hgprt) locus in CHO cells.     

Structure and characterization of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes with protonated nucleobase ligands

The reaction of H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O (18C6 = 18-crown-6) with 9-methylguanine (MeGua) proceeded with the protonation of MeGua forming 9-methylguaninium hexachloroplatinate(IV) dihydrate (MeGuaH)₂[PtCl₆] · 2H₂O (1).The same compound was obtained from the reaction of Na₂[PtCl₆] with (MeGuaH)Cl.On the other hand, the reaction of guanosine (Guo) with (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O in methanol at 60 °C proceeded with the cleavage of the glycosidic linkage and with ligand substitution to give a guaninium complex of platinum(IV), [PtCl₅(GuaH)] · 1.5(18C6) · H₂O (2).Within several weeks in aqueous solution a slow reduction took place yielding the analogous guaninium platinum(II) complex, [PtCl₃(GuaH)] · (18C6) · 2Me₂CO (3).H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and guanosine was found to react in water, yielding (GuoH)₂[PtCl₆] (4) and in ethanol at 50 °C, yielding [PtCl₅(GuoH)] · 3H₂O (5).Dissolution of complexes 2 and 5 in DMSO resulted in the substitution of the guaninium and guanosinium ligands, respectively, by DMSO forming [PtCl₅(DMSO)]⁻.Reactions of 1-methylcytosine (MeCyt) and cytidine (Cyd) with H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and(H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O resulted in the formation of hexachloroplatinates with N3 protonated pyrimidine bases as cation (MeCytH)₂[PtCl₆] · 2H₂O (6) and (CydH)₂[PtCl₆] (7), respectively. Identities of all complexes were confirmed by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopic investigations, revealing coordination of GuoH⁺ in complex 5 through N7 whereas GuaH⁺ in complex 3 may be coordinated through N7 or through N9. Solid state structure of hexachloroplatinate 1 exhibited base pairing of the cations yielding (MeGuaH⁺)₂, whereas in complex 6 non-base-paired MeCytH⁺ cations were found. In both complexes, a network of hydrogen bonds including the water molecules was found. X-ray diffraction analysis of complex 3 exhibited a guaninium ligand that is coordinated through N9 to platinum and protonated at N1, N3 and N7. In the crystal, these NH groups form hydrogen bonds N–HO to oxygen atoms of crown ether molecules.     

Acylated flavonoids and phenol glycosides from Veronica thymoides subsp. pseudocinerea

A new acylated flavone glucoside, 3'-hydroxyscutellarein 7-O-(6'-O-protocatechuoyl)-beta-glucopyranoside (1), and a new phenol glucoside, 3,5-dihydroxyphenethyl alcohol 3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (6) were isolated from Veronica thymoides subsp. pseudocinerea together with seven known flavone, phenol and lignan glycosides; 3'-hydroxyscutellarein 7-O-(6'-O-trans-feruloyl)-beta-glucopyranoside (2), 3'-hydroxy, 6-O-methylscutellarein 7-O-beta-glucopyranoside (3), luteolin 7-O-beta-glucopyranoside (4), isoscutellarein 7-O-(6'-O-acetyl)-beta-allopyranosyl (1' --> 2')-beta-glucopyranoside (5), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl alcohol 8-O-beta-glucopyranoside (7), benzyl alcohol 7-O-beta-xylopyranosyl (1" --> 2')-beta-glucopyranoside (8), and (+)-syringaresinol 4'-O-beta-glucopyranoside (9). Compounds 2, 3 and 7-9 were reported for the first time in the genus Veronica. The structures of the isolates were determined by means of spectroscopic (UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMR, HR ESI-MS) methods. Isolated compounds (1-7) exhibited potent radical scavenging activity against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.     

RNA interference against HPV16 E7 oncogene leads to viral E6 and E7 suppression in cervical cancer cells and apoptosis via upregulation of Rb and p53

The simultaneous expression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 oncogenes is pivotal for malignant transformation and maintenance of malignant phenotypes. Silencing these oncogenes is considered to be applicable in molecular therapies of human cervical cancer. However, it remains to be determined whether HPV16 E6 and E7 could be both silenced to obtain most efficient antitumor activity by using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Herein, we designed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting HPV16-E7 region to degrade either E6, or truncated E6 (E6*) and E7 mRNAs and to simultaneously knockdown both E6 and E7 expression. Firstly, the sequence targeting HPV16-E7 region was inserted into the shRNA packing vector pSIREN-DNR, yielding pSIREN-16E7 to stably express corresponding shRNA. HPV16-transformed SiHa and CaSki cells were used as a model system; RT-PCR, Western Blotting, MTT assay, TUNEL staining, Annexin V apoptosis assay and flow cytometry were applied to examine the effects of pSIREN-16E7. Our results indicated that HPV16-E7 specific shRNA (16E7-shRNA) induced selective degradation of E6 and E7 mRNAs and proteins. E6 silencing induced accumulation of cellular p53 and p21. In contrast, E7 silencing induced hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. The loss of E6 and E7 reduced cell growth and ultimately resulted in massive apoptotic cell death selectively in HPV-positive cancer cells, compared with the HPV-negative ones. We demonstrated that 16E7-shRNA can induce simultaneous E6 and E7 suppression and lead to striking apoptosis in HPV16-related cancer cells by activating cellular p53, p21 and Rb. Therefore, RNAi using E7 shRNA may have the gene-specific therapy potential for HPV16-related cancers.     

Functional characterization of homo- and heteromeric channel kinases TRPM6 and TRPM7

TRPM6 and TRPM7 are two known channel kinases that play important roles in various physiological processes, including Mg2+ homeostasis. Mutations in TRPM6 cause hereditary hypomagnesemia and secondary hypocalcemia (HSH). However, whether TRPM6 encodes functional channels is controversial. Here we demonstrate several signature features of TRPM6 that distinguish TRPM6 from TRPM7 and TRPM6/7 channels. We show that heterologous expression of TRPM6 but not the mutant TRPM6(S141L) produces functional channels with divalent cation permeability profile and pH sensitivity distinctive from those of TRPM7 channels and TRPM6/7 complexes. TRPM6 exhibits unique unitary conductance that is 2- and 1.5-fold bigger than that of TRPM7 and TRPM6/7. Moreover, micromolar levels of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) maximally increase TRPM6 but significantly inhibit TRPM7 channel activities; whereas millimolar concentrations of 2-APB potentiate TRPM6/7 and TRPM7 channel activities. Furthermore, Mg2+ and Ca2+ entry through TRPM6 is enhanced three- to fourfold by 2-APB. Collectively, these results indicate that TRPM6 forms functional homomeric channels as well as heteromeric TRPM6/7 complexes. The unique characteristics of these three channel types, TRPM6, TRPM7, and TRPM6/7, suggest that they may play different roles in vivo.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of phenanthrenes as cytotoxic agents with pharmacophore modeling and ChemGPS-NP prediction as topo II inhibitors

In a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, 3-methoxy-1,4-phenanthrenequinones, calanquinone A (6a), denbinobin (6b), 5-OAc-calanquinone A (7a) and 5-OAc-denbinobin (7b), have significantly promising cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines (IC(50) 0.08-1.66 μg/mL). Moreover, we also established a superior pharmacophore model for cytotoxicity (r = 0.931) containing three hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA1, HBA2 and HBA3) and one hydrophobic feature (HYD) against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The pharmacophore model indicates that HBA3 is an essential feature for the oxygen atom of 5-OH in 6a-b and for the carbonyl group of 5-OCOCH(3) in 7a-b, important for their cytotoxic properties. The SAR for moderately active 5a-b (5-OCH(3)), and highly active 6a-b and 7a-b, are also elaborated in a spatial aspect model. Further rational design and synthesis of new cytotoxic phenanthrene analogs can be implemented via this model. Additionally, employing a ChemGPS-NP based model for cytotoxicity mode of action (MOA) provides support for a preliminary classification of compounds 6a-b as topoisomerase II inhibitors.     

Cis-acting elements regulate alternative splicing of exons 6A, 6B and 8 of the alpha1(XI) collagen gene and contribute to the regional diversification of collagen XI matrices.

Consecutive exons 6A, 6B, 7 and 8 that encode the variable region of the amino-terminal domain (NTD) of the col11a1 gene product undergo a complex pattern of alternative splicing that is both tissue-dependent and developmentally regulated. Expression of col11a1 is predominantly associated with cartilage where it plays a critical role in skeletal development. At least five splice-forms (6B-7-8, 6A-7-8, 7-8, 6B-7 and 7) are found in cartilage. Splice-forms containing exon 6B or 8 have distinct distributions in the long bone during development, while in non-cartilage tissues, splice-form 6A-7-8 is typically expressed. In order to study this complex and tissue-specific alternative splicing, a mini-gene that contains mouse genomic sequence from exon 5 to 11, flanking the variable region of alpha1(XI)-NTD, was constructed. The minigene was transfected into chondrocytic (RCS) and non-chondrocytic (A204) cell lines that endogenously express alpha1(XI), as well as 293 cells which do not express alpha1(XI). Alternative splicing in RCS and A204 cells reflected the appropriate cartilage and non-cartilage patterns while 293 cells produced only 6A-7-8. This suggests that 6A-7-8 is the default splicing pathway and that cell or tissue-specific trans-acting factors are required to obtain pattern of the alternative splicing of alpha1(XI) pre-mRNA observed in chondrocytes. Deletional analysis was used to identify cis-acting regions important for regulating splicing. The presence of the intact exon 7 was required to generate the full complex chondrocytic pattern of splicing. Furthermore, deletional mapping of exon 6B identified sequences required for expression of exon 6B in RCS cells and these may correspond to purine-rich (ESE) and AC-rich (ACE) exonic splicing enhancers.     

The E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 6 have weak immortalizing activity in human epithelial cells.

Previous studies have shown that the E7 gene of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 or 18 alone was sufficient for immortalization of human foreskin epithelial cells (HFE) and that the efficiency was increased in cooperation with the respective E6 gene, whereas the HPV6 E6 or E7 gene was not active in HFE. To detect weak immortalizing activities of the HPV6 genes, cells were infected with recombinant retroviruses containing HPV genes, alone and in homologous and heterologous combinations. The HPV6 genes, alone or together (HPV6 E6 plus HPV6 E7), were not able to immortalize cells. However the HPV6 E6 gene, in concert with HPV16 E7, increased the frequency of immortalization threefold over that obtained with HPV16 E7 alone. Interestingly, 6 of 20 clones containing the HPV16 E6 gene and the HPV6 E7 gene were immortalized, whereas neither gene alone was sufficient. Thus, the HPV6 E6 and E7 genes have weak immortalizing activities which can be detected in cooperation with the more active transforming genes of HPV16. Acute expression of the HPV6 and HPV16 E6 and E7 genes revealed that only HPV16 E7 was able to stimulate the proliferation of cells in organotypic culture, resulting in increased expression of the proliferative cell nuclear antigen and the formation of a disorganized epithelial layer. Additionally, combinations of genes that immortalized HFE cells (HPV16 E6 plus HPV16 E7, HPV16 E6 plus HPV6 E7, and HPV6 E6 plus HPV16 E7) also stimulated proliferation.     

Localization of mouse CLC-6 and CLC-7 mRNA and their functional complementation of yeast CLC gene mutant

CLC-6 and CLC-7 belong to the family of voltage-dependent chloride channels. To learn more about the in vivo roles of CLC-6 and CLC-7, we performed in situ hybridization of these CLC channels in various mouse organs. Mouse CLC-6 (mCLC-6) was expressed in the peripheral region of seminiferous tubules in the testis, tracheal epithelium, epithelium of bronchioles, alveolar cells in the lung, acinar cells in the pancreas, and intestinal epithelium, but we could not detect signals from pancreatic islets. Mouse CLC-7 (mCLC-7) was expressed in neurons in the medulla oblongata, Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, proximal tubules in the kidney, and hepatocytes in the liver. The distribution of mCLC-6 and mCLC-7 were similar in the lung, pancreas, and testis. mCLC-6 functionally complemented the gef1 phenotype of a yeast strain in which a single CLC channel (GEF1) had been disrupted by homologous recombination. In contrast, mCLC-7 did not complement this gef1 phenotype. This study identified the cell types that express mCLC-6 and mCLC-7 in the mouse tissues, and the complementation assay suggested that mCLC-6 functions as an intracellular chloride channel.     

Tropane alkaloids from the leaves and stem bark of Erythroxylon alaternifolium and Erythroxylon rotundifolium

A novel 3alpha,6beta,7beta-triol tropane alkaloid esterified by two benzoyl residues was isolated from the leaves of the endemic cuban species, Erythroxylon alaternifolium. Another novel 3alpha,6alpha,7beta-triol tropane alkaloid esterified by trimethoxycinnamoyl and trimethoxybenzoyl residues was isolated from the leaves and stem bark of a second endemic cuban species, Erythroxylon rotundifolium. Their structures were elucidated as 3alpha,7beta-dibenzoyloxy-6beta-hydroxy-tropane and 3alpha-(3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamoyloxy)-7beta-(3,4,5- trimethoxybenzoyloxy)-6alpha-hydroxy-tropane by spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR techniques.     

Forskolin photoaffinity labels with specificity for adenylyl cyclase and the glucose transporter

Two photolabels, N-(3-(4-azido-3-125I-phenyl)-propionamide)-6- aminoethylcarbamylforskolin(125I-6-AIPP-Fsk) and N-(3-(4-azido-3-125I-phenyl)propionamide)-7-aminoethylcarbamyl-7- desacetylforskolin (125I-7-AIPP-Fsk) were synthesized with specific activities of 2200 Ci/mmol and used to label adenylyl cyclase and the glucose transporter. The affinities of the photolabels for adenylyl cyclase were determined by their inhibition of [3H]forskolin binding to bovine brain membranes. 6-AIPP-Fsk and 7-AIPP-Fsk inhibited [3H]forskolin binding with IC50 values of 15 nM and 200 nM, respectively. 125I-6-AIPP-Fsk labeled a 115-kDa protein in control and GTP gamma S-preactivated bovine brain membranes. This labeling was inhibited by forskolin but not by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin or cytochalasin B. 125I-6-AIPP-Fsk labeling of partially purified adenylyl cyclase was inhibited by forskolin but not by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin. 125I-7-AIPP-Fsk specifically labeled a 45-kDa protein and not a 115-kDa protein in control and GTP gamma S-preactivated brain membranes. This labeling was inhibited by forskolin, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, cytochalasin B, and D-glucose but not cytochalasin E or L-glucose. Human erythrocyte membranes were photolyzed with 125I-6-AIPP-Fsk and 125I-7-AIPP-Fsk. 125I-7-AIPP-Fsk, but not 125I-6-AIPP-Fsk, strongly labeled a broad 45-70-kDa band. Forskolin, 7-bromoacetyl-7-desacetylforskolin, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, cytochalasin B, and D-glucose, but not cytochalasin E or L-glucose, inhibited 125I-7-AIPP-Fsk labeling of the 45-70-kDa band. 125I-6-AIPP-Fsk and 125I-7-AIPP-Fsk are high affinity photolabels with specificity for adenylyl cyclase and the glucose transporter, respectively.     

The influence of steric interactions on the conformation and biology of oxytocin. Synthesis and analysis of penicillamine(6)-oxytocin and penicillamine(6)-5-tert-butylproline(7)-oxytocin analogs.

Six [Pen(6)]oxytocin analogs were synthesized by substituting penicillamine for cysteine in oxytocin, [Mpa(1)]oxytocin, [dPen(1)]oxytocin, [5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin, [Mpa(1), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin and [dPen(1), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin. When tested in the uterotonic test in vitro [Pen(6)]oxytocin, [Pen(6), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin, [Mpa(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin and [Mpa(1), Pen(6), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin, all were found to possess both agonistic and antagonistic properties. Their agonistic potency ranged from negligible (0.08 IU/mg) to low (5.85 IU/mg) and their antagonistic potency (pA2) was estimated to range from 6.6 to 7.9. [dPen(1), Pen(6)]Oxytocin and [dPen(1), Pen(6), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin were found to be pure antagonists with similarly high pA2 values of approximately 8.2. Replacement of proline by 5-tert-butylproline increased binding affinity by a factor of two in [Pen(6)]oxytocin and had no influence on the binding affinity of [Mpa(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin and [dPen(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin. Assignment of the proton signals for prolyl amide cis- and trans-isomers by NMR experiments in water indicated that the Pen(6)-5-tert-BuPro(7) peptide bond cis-isomer population was augmented relative to the prolyl peptides and measured, respectively, at 20, 35 and 35% in the 5-tert-butylproline(7) analogs of [Pen(6)]oxytocin, [Mpa(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin and [dPen(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin. This augmentation in cis-isomer population was correlated with a 21-fold reduction in the agonistic potency and 2-fold augmentation in antagonistic potency for [Pen(6), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin relative to [Pen(6)]oxytocin. Augmentation of cis-isomer population was also correlated to reduced agonist potency without effect on antagonism on conversion of [Mpa(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin to [Mpa(1), Pen(6), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin. In the potent oxytocin antagonist, [dPen(1), Pen(6)]oxytocin, substitution of 5-tert-butylproline for proline augmented the cis-isomer population without affecting antagonistic potency. The synthesis and evaluation of [Pen(6)]oxytocin and [Pen(6), 5-t-BuPro(7)]oxytocin analogs 1-6 indicated that steric interactions influenced agonist and antagonist activity by modifying peptide conformation. Augmentations in the prolyl cis-isomer population caused by 5-tert-butylproline occurred concurrently with enhanced or maintained antagonistic potency and binding affinity and reduced agonistic potency.     

Identification of biologically active natural spirolactone derivatives in man and animal

For the first time, the presence of three natural spirolactones hydroxylated at C6C7 (6 alpha, 7 alpha-, 6 beta, 7 alpha- and 6 beta, 7 beta-dihydroxy-6,7-dihydrocanrenone (DHC) is demonstrated in man and in animal urine (rat, dog, sheep), and possibly in the blood. The existence of the fourth isomer 6 alpha, 7 beta- is also possible. Salt-loading in man and the rat results in a decrease in urinary 6 alpha, 7 alpha- and 6 beta, 7 beta-DHC. Salt-depletion increases their urinary concentration in the rat. DHC isomers are not found in the urine of adrenalectomized rats. Injected into the caudal vein of the rat, both 6 alpha, 7 alpha- and 6 beta, 7 beta-DHC induce a significant retention of Na+. On the other hand, 6 beta, 7 alpha-DHC significantly increases Na+ and K+ excretion. The biological activities of these natural compounds seem to be different from those of synthetic spirolactonic drugs.