Dopaminergic activity of cis-trans isomers of benzhydro[f]quinoline analogs

A comparison of the biological activity of isomers with varying alkyl substitutions on the heterocyclic nitrogen of benzhydro[f]quinoline derivatives was made. The secondary amines did not inhibit adrenergic transmission. The trans-isomer of the secondary amine was 0.5 as active as norepinephrine when evaluated for positive chronotropic action in anesthetized cats. The trans-isomers of the N-alkyl derivatives produce inhibition of responses produced by stimulation of cardioaccelerator nerves with doses of 1--5 mumol/kg. Likewise potent emetic activity (dog) and rotational behavior (rat) was observed with the N-alkyl derivatives when administered subcutaneously. The cis-isomers were much less active. The neuronal inhibitions in cats were antagonized by haloperidol 100 micrograms/kg, except the cis-isomer of the N-ethyl derivate which required phentolamine, 2 mg/kg. In general, the transisomers were more potent in contracting the isolated rabbit aorta. This response appeared to be mediated through an alpha-adrenergic mechanism since phentolamine blocked these responses. The trans-isomer TL-305 was effective in relaxing methacholine contracted guinea-pig trachea through a beta-adrenergic mechanism since propranolol blocked this response.

Congeners of the alpha conformer of dopamine derived from octahydrobenz[h]isoquinoline

Two synthetic paths have been investigated for the preparation of cis and trans 8,9-dioxygenated octahydrobenz[h]isoquinoline ring systems. A sequence involving intramolecular Diels--Alder cyclization of a ring-opened intermediate product of a benzocyclobutene derivative was more satisfactory. The trans-fused isomers of the title compounds are frozen congeners of the alpha conformer of dopamine, isomeric with certain other tricyclic heterocycles which elicit a high degree of dopamine agonist activity. However, the present series of compounds exhibited a very low potency in an assay for dopamine-like actions. A possible reason for this inactivity has been suggested.

Effect of methyl 2-hexadecynoate on hepatic fatty acid metabolism

Normal and hepatoma bearing rats were fed a low level of methyl 2-hexadecynoate in a low fat diet for one month. The effect of the acetylenic acid on lipid metabolism as derived from mass analysis of lipid classes, fatty acids and positional monoene isomers isolated from the major lipid classes of liver and hepatoma has been assessed. Methyl 2-hexadecynoate caused a 25% decrease in body weight and the appearance of essential fatty acid deficiency symptoms within one week. Non-tumor-bearing animals contained a seven-fold increase in all neutral lipid classes, except cholesterol, while host animals did not contain fatty livers. The apparent protective effect of the host animal by the hepatoma also resulted in only marginal changes in the fatty acid and positional monoene isomers from host liver and hepatoma lipids. In contrast to host liver and hepatoma, methyl 2-hexadecynoate caused a massive accumulation of palmitate and hexadecenoates with a concomitant decrease in stearate and octadecenoates in most of the lipid classes from non-tumor-bearing animals. These changes were accompanied by a shift from the higher molecular weight triglycerides to lower molecular weights corresponding to carbon number 48. The high concentrations of hexadecenoates consisted predominantly of the delta 9 isomer. Despite the high concentrations of cis delta 9 hexadecenoate, precursor of cis delta 11 octadecenoate (vaccenate), total vaccenate levels of the five major lipid classes were lower than control values. All of these data strongly suggest that long-chain 2-ynoic acids inhibit elongation of saturated and monoene fatty acids.

Role of the papillary muscle in opening and closure of the mitral valve

Dimensional changes of the left ventricular anterolateral papillary muscle of six open-chest dogs were measured continuously throughout the cardiac cycle in order to evaluate the role of the papillary muscle in opening and closing of the mitral valve. Dimensional changes were measured with ultrasonic dimension gauges. Maximal shortening and maximal elongation of the papillary muscle followed maximal shortening and elongation of a segment of the free wall of the left ventricle by 65 +/- 6 (SE) ms. Maximal elongation of the papillary muscle occurred 25 +/- 2 ms after the onset of ejection. Maximal shortening of the papillary muscle occurred 68 +/- 5 ms after the aortic incisura and 10 +/- 2 ms after the crossover of left ventricular and left atrial pressure. The papillary muscle shortened 14 +/- 4%. The percentage of papillary muscle shortening that occurred after the aortic incisura was 39 +/- 7%, and the percentage of shortening that occurred after the crossover of left ventricular and left atrial pressure was 3 +/- 1%. The observed shortening of the papillary muscle throughout left ventricular isovolumic relaxation suggests that the papillary muscle may have a role in opening the mitral valve. Conversely, elongation of the papillary muscle in the late portion of diastole appears necessary to permit proper closure of the mitral valve leaflets.

Elevation of brain neuroleptic/dopamine receptors in schizophrenia

To test the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia the authors measured specific 3H-neuroleptic/dopamine binding sites in three dopamin-rich regions of 59 postmortem normal human brains and 50 postmortem brains from schizophrenic patients using 3H-haloperidol and 3H-spiperone. The binding of 2 nM 3H-haloperidol and of 1 nM 3H-spiperone was significantly elevated in the brains from schizophrenic patients. The brain regions from patients who had no history of being treated with neuroleptic drugs also exhibited significantly higher binding of the 3H-neuroleptics. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that schizophrenia may be associated with an overactivity of postsynaptic dopamine receptors.

Congeners of the beta conformer of dopamine derived from cis- and trans-octahydrobenzo[f]quinoline and trans-octahydrobenzo[g]quinoline

The so-called beta conformer of dopamine has been proposed to be involved in agonist--receptor interactions at several sites in the dopaminergic nervous system. Further to evaluate this proposal, rigid congeners of the beta conformer derived from linearly and angularly annelated octahydrobenzoquinolines have been synthesized. Certain N-alkylated trans-angularly annelated systems exhibited unusually potent and highly selective dopamine-like effects in an assay on a cardioaccelerator nerve preparation in the cat, but these compounds were inactive in a variety of assays for CNS effects. These compounds present a clear separation of CNS effects from some potent peripheral effects.

Modulating effect of regional myocardial performance on local myocardial perfusion in the dog

We studied the effect of regional contractile performance on regional coronary blood flow and flow distribution in 10 dogs. The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was cannulated and perfused. Maximal vasodilation was obtained with adenosine. Consequently, variations of LAD flow reflected changes of extravascular resistance. Lidocaine injected in the LAD caused a localized reduction of contractile performance as shown by the absence of systolic wall thickening. Global left ventricular performance and pressure were unchanged. Coronary extravascular resistance diminished and LAD flow increased from 4.8 +/- 0.5 to 6.2 +/- 0.6 ml/min per g (P less than 0.02). The endocardial: epicardial ratio increased from 1.02 +/- 0.07 to 1.28 +/- 0.07 (P less than 0.001). Isoproterenol in the LAD augmented systolic wall thickening. Regional coronary flow diminished from 5.1 +/- 0.5 to 3.3 +/- 0.4 ml/min per g (P less than 0.001), and the endocardial:epicardial ratio diminished from 1.08 +/- 0.07 to 0.75 +/- 0.07 (P less than 0.01). These data indicate that myocardial contractility is a major component of extravascular coronary resistance and is a mechanical determinant of coronary blood flow and its transmural distribution.

In vitro assessment of Tc-99m labeled bovine thrombin and streptokinase-activated human plasmin: concise communication

Bovine thrombin and streptokinase-activated human plasmin have been labeled with Tc-99m using stannous reduction of pertechnetate under physiological conditions (pH 7.4). The binding efficiency of radiotechnetium to these enzymes is greater than 94%, with less than 5% of reduced but unbound Tc-99m (Sn) complex as assayed by ascending paper radiochromatography using ITLC silica gel plate. Free or unbound pertechnetate is less than 1%. In vitro enzymatic analyses of the Tc-99m-labeled enzymes demonstrate no evidence of protein denaturation or significant loss of enzymatic activity after labeling. Both labeled enzymes are biochemically active in vitro with their respective substrates.

The prognostic value of serum immunosuppressive effect in patients with ovarian cancer

Sixteen patients who underwent surgery and postoperative chemotherapy for carcinoma of the ovary were studied. Eleven survived more than 18 months without evidence of recurrence, and 5 died more than 5 months after surgery. Serial determinations were made preoperatively and postoperatively of the immunosuppressive effect of the serums of these patients on the response of normal lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin stimulation. These determinations were plotted for each patient; the shapes of the curves for patients who survived are markedly different from those of patients who died. The prognostic value of these findings is discussed.

Rigid congeners of dopamine based on octahydrobenzo[f]quinoline: peripheral and central effects

A series of cis- and trans-dihydroxycotahydrobenzo[f]quinoline congeners of dopamine has been prepared, in which the N substitutent is H, ethyl, or n-propyl. The trans isomers include the dopamine moiety held rigidly in an antiperiplanar diposition which is believed to be necessary for certian central and peripheral dopaminergic effects. The cis isomers are flexible molecules; the dopamine moiety lacks conformational integrity and it can exist in a conformation which is believed not to favor dopaminergic activity. The trans series of compounds was shown to possess a high level of central and peripheral dopaminergic effects, whereas the cis series was of low activity or was inert. These data further support previous proposals concerning stereochemical requirements for certain dopaminergic agonist activity.

Dopaminergic effects of non-hydroxylated rigid analogs of apomorphine

A series of rigid analogs of apomorphine lacking aromatic hydroxyl substitutents were evaluated for dopaminergic properties. Three compounds, N-methyl-N-propyl-2-aminotetralin (Me-Pr-2-AT), N-N-dipropyl-2-aminotetralin (Di-pr-2-AT) and N,N-dipropyl-2-aminoindane (Di-Pr-2-AI) induced emesis in dogs, contralateral circling in unilaterally lesioned rats, and inhibited prolactin secretion. The induced circling responses, however, were attenuated by prior treatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine methyl ester (AMPTME) and the compounds were weak inhibitors of 3-H-dopamine binding in calf caudate homogenates. The possibility that these agents may be metabolically activated in vivo is discussed.

Astrovirus gastroenteritis age distribution of antibody

Astrovirus antibody was detected by immunofluorescence using infected primary human embryo kidney cultures as antigen. Of 87 Oxford children aged 0--10 years, only 7% in the 6 to 12-month-old group had antibody. The percentage of children having evidence of past infection rose progressively in the 1--4 age range and 75% of the 5 to 10-year-old group possessed astrovirus antibody. Fifty-four (77%) of a group of 70 young adults likewise had antibody.

Effect of haloperidol and apomorphine treatment on dopamine receptors in pituitary and striatum

Prompted by an interest in the similarity of brain and tuberoinfundibular systems, the authors studied butaclamol-specific neuroleptic and apomorphine binding in pituitary and striatum after chronic haloperidol and acute apomorphine treatment. Striatal binding increases but pituitary binding decreases in haloperidol-treated rats. Pituitary binding changes rapidly in response to apomorphine exposure and striatal binding does not. These findings suggest that factors influencing binding differ in these two tissues.

Ligand-induced conformation changes in Torpedo californica membrane-bound acetylcholine receptor

A time-dependent increase in ligand affinity has been studied in cholinergic ligand binding to Torpedocalifornica acetylcholine receptor by inhibition of the kinetics of of [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin-receptor complex formation. The conversion of the acetylcholine receptor from low to high affinity form was induced by both agonists and antagonists of acetylcholine and was reversible upon removal of the ligand. The slow ligand induced affinity change in vitro resembled electrophysiological desensitization observed at the neuromuscular junction and described by a two-state model (Katz, B., & Thesleff, S. (1957) J. Physiol. 138, 63). A quantitative treatment of the rate and equilibrium constants determined for binding of the agonist carbamoylcholine to membrane bound acetylcholine receptor indicated that the two-state model is not compatible with the in vitro results.

Centrally mediated hypotension and bradycardia induced by an aminotetralin derivative: TL-68

An aminotetralin derivate, N,N-dipropyl-2-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (TL-68) induced a prolonged decrease in blood pressure and heart rate when administered i.v. in anesthetized cats. The compound inhibited the blood pressure and heart rate responses induced by central stump stimulation of the sciatic nerve indicating inhibition of sympathetic transmission. TL-68 caused a weak inhibition of the positive chronotropic response induced by stimulation of the cardioaccelerator nerve. When comparatively low doses of TL-68 were injected into the left vertebral artery, a considerable dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and heart rate developed. The same doses had only small or negligible effects on blood pressure and heart rate when given intravenously. When TL-68 was injected into a lateral cerebral ventricle of unanesthetized rats, a significant hypotension and bradycardia was observed which could be prevented by prior intraventricular injection of phentolamine. The results suggest that this compound exerts its effect through a central mechanism of action, perhaps by stimulation of alpha-adrenoreceptors.

Immunosuppressive effect of serum in patients with ovarian carcinoma

Cell-mediated immune response was measured in 23 patients with ovarian cystadenocarcinoma, 38 patients with benign ovarian tumor, and 44 healthy volunteers. The method used two indexes: the lymphocyte response per unit volume of peripheral blood to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and the immunosuppressive effect of serum on the response of normal lymphocytes to PHA stimulation. The lymphocyte response per 50 microliter peripheral blood did not differ significantly between patients with ovarian cancer and healthy volunteers. The serum effect, in contrast, differed significantly between malignant and benign ovarian tumors, and was found to increase significantly even when the cancer masses were as small as about 5 x 5 x 5 cm in size, ie, in FIGO Stage I. It is our belief that the measurement of the serum effect in patients with any ovarian tumor enables the early detection of ovarian cancer.

Dopamine receptors in the central nervous system

Dopamine receptors in the central nervous system can be studied by measuring the specific binding of [3H]dopamine, [3H]haloperidol, d-[3H]LSD, [3H]dihydroergocryptine or [3H]apomorphine. The receptors are stereoselectively blocked by +)-butaclamol, a neuroleptic. All neuroleptics inhibit the specific binding of [3H]haloperidol in relation to their clinical potencies. The radioligand that desorbs most slowly from the receptor is [3H]apomorphine, thus making it a reliable ligand for dopamine receptors. Dopamine agonists that compete for [3H]apomorphine binding do so at concentrations that correlate with their potency in stimulating striatal adenylate cyclase. Structure-activity analysis, using [3H]apomorphine, confirms that the active dopamine-mimetic conformation is the beta rotamer of dopamine. Prolonged exposure in vitro of caudate homogenate to high concentrations of dopamine leads to increased binding of [3H]apomorphine or [3H]haloperidol, suggesting receptor "sensitization." Chronic haloperidol treatment of rats leads to an increased number of dopamine/neuroleptic receptors in the striatum, but a decrease in the pituitary.

Prostaglandin isosteres. 1. (8-Aza-, 8,10-diaza-, and 8-aza-11-thia)-9-oxoprostanoic acids and their derivatives

A series of novel (8-aza-, 8,10-diaza-, and 8-aza-11-thia)-9-oxoprostanoic acids has been synthesized and evaluated for their ability to mimic the E series prostaglandins in stimulating cAMP formation in the mouse ovary and in binding to the rat kidney plasma prostaglandin receptor. 7-[2-(3-Hydroxyoctyl)-1,1,4-trioxo-3-thiazolidinyl]heptanoic acid markedly stimulates cAMP formation at reasonable pharmacological concentrations and avidly binds to the rat kidney prostaglandin receptor.

Cerebral dopamine agonist properties of some 2-aminotetralin derivatives after peripheral and intracerebral administration

A series of variously N-substituted 2-aminotetralins having OH groups at 5 and 6 and at 6 and 7 positions, as well as nonoxygenated systems, has been evaluated for central dopaminergic effects. Stereotypical behavioral effects (sniffing, compulsive gnawing, and hyperactivity) produced by direct intracerebral administration of some of the agents were shown to differ strikingly from responses resulting from peripheral administration. The centrally mediated responses of hyperactivity and sterotypical gnawing-biting head and limb movements were shown to be separable in some test compounds. An improved route to 2-aminotetralin systems has been utilized for some of the compounds, which involves Pummerer rearrangement and cyclization of beta-keto sulfoxides and reductive amination of beta-tetralones with a NaBH4-carboxylic acid complex.

Conformational requirements for dopamine-induced vasodilation

The availability of a series of semi-rigid analogs of dopamine and epinine has made it possible to investigate the conformational requirements for action on dopamine and beta2-adrenergic vascular receptors. The analogs were screened for dopamine-agonist action by intra-arterial injections into the renal vascular bed and for beta2-adrenergic activity by similar injections into the femoral vascular bed in dogs pretreated with phenoxybenzamine. 2-Amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (A-6,7-DTN) and its N-methyl derivative (analogous to the trans beta rotamer of dopamine) exhibited pronounced dopamine-agonist activity and minimal beta2-adrenergic activity. In contrast, the semi-rigid analog of the trans alpha rotamer of dopamine (2-amino-5,6-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene; A-5,6-DTN) and its N-methyl derivative exerted pronounced beta2-adrenergic activity but were inactive as dopamine agonists.6,7-Dihydroxytetrahydroisoquinoline, a semi-rigid analog of the cis beta rotamer of dopamine, did not produce renal vasodilation. These results indicate that a conformation of dopamine similar to that found in A-6,7-DTN is required for dopamine-vascular activity, while the conformation found in A-5,6-DTN is preferred for interaction with beta2-adrenergic receptors.

Differentiation of the dopamine mechanisms mediating stereotyped behaviour and hyperactivity in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen

A number of dopamine agonists were applied intracerebrally to the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen of rat in an attempt to differentiate the dopamine mechanisms in these nuclei which mediate hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour. The major effect of dopamine was to induce hyperactivity from the nucleus accumbens and stereotypy from the caudate-putamen; N-n-propyl-norapomorphine induced hyperactivity and stereotypy from the nucleus accumbens whilst apomorphine induced a marked stereotypy from the caudate-putamen, modest stereotypy from the nucleus accumbens and no hyperactivity. In contrast to apomorphine, 2-(NN-dipropyl)amino-5,6-dihydroxy TN‡ induced a more marked stereotypy from the nucleus accumbens and, again, no hyperactivity. The major effect of 2-(NN-diethyl)amino-5,6-dihydroxy TN was to cause an intense hyperactivity from the nucleus accumbens and marked stereotypy from the caudate-putamen whilst the primary amine, 2-amino-5,6-dihydroxy TN induced hyperactivity and stereotypy from both areas. The marked hyperactivity and stereotyped responses were inhibited by haloperidol, but not by α- or β-blockers. These data would indicate that there may be different dopamine mechanisms in the nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen for the mediation of hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour.

Third system for neutral amino acid transport in a marine pseudomonad

Uptake of leucine by the marine pseudomonad B-16 is an energy-dependent, concentrative process. Respiratory inhibitors, uncouplers, and sulfhydryl reagents block transport. The uptake of leucine is Na+ dependent, although the relationship between the rate of leucine uptake and Na+ concentration depends, to some extent, on the ionic strength of the suspending assay medium and the manner in which cells are washed prior to assay. Leucine transport can be separated into at least two systems: a low-affinity system with an apparent Km of 1.3 X 10(-5) M, and a high-affinity system with an apparent Km of 1.9 X 10(-7) M. The high-affinity system shows a specificity unusual for bacterial systems in that both aromatic and aliphatic amino acids inhibit leucine transport, provided that they have hydrophobic side chains of a length greater than that of two carbon atoms. The system exhibits strict stereospecificity for the L form. Phenylalanine inhibition was investigated in more detail. The Ki for inhibition of leucine transport by phenylalanine is about 1.4 X 10(-7) M. Phenylalanine itself is transported by an energy-dependent process whose specificity is the same as the high-affinity leucine transport system, as is expected if both amino acids share the same transport system. Studies with protoplasts indicate that a periplasmic binding protein is not an essential part of this transport system. Fein and MacLeod (J. Bacteriol. 124:1177-1190, 1975) reported two neutral amino acid transport systems in strain B-16: the DAG system, serving glycine, D-alanine, D-serine, and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid; and the LIV system, serving L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, and L-alanine. The high-affinity system reported here is a third neutral amino acid transport system in this marine pseudomonad. We propose the name "LIV-II" system.

11,12-Secoprostaglandins. 3. 8-Alkylthio(sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-12-hydroxyalkanoic acids and related compounds

A series of 8-alkylthio(sulfinyl and sulfonyl)-12-hydroxyalkanoic acids which embody structural features of 11,12-secoprostaglandins was synthesized and evaluated for their ability to mimic the E series prostaglandins in stimulating cAMP formation in the mouse ovary and in binding to the rat lipocyte prostaglandin receptor. A key member of the series, 8-methylsulfonyl-12-hydroxyheptadecanoic acid, markedly stimulated cAMP formation at reasonable pharmacological concentrations, shows significant affinity for a prostaglandin receptor, and effectively inhibits antigen-induced lymphocyte transformation. In contrast, this compound is not a substrate for 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, the major prostaglandin-metabolizing enzyme.

Differential activation by some 2-aminotetralin derivatives of the receptor mechanisms in the nucleus accumbens of rats which mediate hyperactivity and stereotyped biting

A series of 2-aminotetralin derivatives were injected into the nucleus accumbens of rat to assess the nature of the dopamine mechanisms in this nucleus which modulate hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour. It was shown that (1) Derivatives with either 5,6- or 6,7-dihydroxy substitutions were each able to induce hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour, but substitutions in the 5,6-positions conferred greater potency throughout the series. This differential was emphasised by the continued activity of 2-amino-5,6-dihydroxytetralin in the absence of nialamide whilst the action of 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxytetralin was greatly reduced. (2) The hydroxyl functions in both the 5,6- and 6,7-series were essential for activity: dimethyoxy derivatives were inactive. (3) Generally, substitution of the nitrogen atom with one or two methyl groups, or with a butyl group, reduced or abolished activity. However, N-ethyl and N-propyl substitution markedly enhanced stereotypic potential in the 5,6-dihydroxy series (but not in the 6,7-series). The N-isopropyl derivative in the 5,6-series reflected the activity of the N-propyl compound but a further substitution of the N atom with the methyl group (N-isopropyl-N-methyl) greatly reduced the stereotypic potential without modification of the hyperactivity response. In contrast, N,N-dipropyl substitution abolished the hyperactivity response whilst increasing sterotypic potential. (4) alpha and beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine failed to reduce the hyperactivity induced by 2-amino-5,6-dihydroxytetralin or the stereotyped behaviour induced by 2-(N,N-dipropyl)-amino-5,6-dihydroxytetralin. Both behaviours were, however, very sensitive to blockade by haloperidol, indicating that both the hyperactivity and stereotyped responses are dopamine-dependent. It is concluded that the dopamine mechanisms in the nucleus accumbens which mediate/regulate hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviour are different. Further, it is suggested that the 2-aminotetralins may be valuable tools in studies designed to assess the topography of cerebral dopamine systems.

Dopamine/neuroleptic receptors in basal hypothalamus and pituitary

In order to determine whether the basal hypothalamus or the pituitary (or both) is the likely locus of action of the tuberoinfundibular (TI) dopamine neurons, these regions were examined for dopamine and neuroleptic receptors. High affinity receptors for haloperidol and dopamine were found in the rat pituitary while none were detected in rat basal hypothalamus. The relative ability of two neuroleptics, chlorpromazine and haloperidol, to displace (3H)haloperidol from the receptor in monkey pituitary is similar to that for rat striatum. The lack of receptors capable of binding (3H)haloperidol or (3H)dopamine in the basal hypothalamus strongly suggests that the TI neurons do not produce postsynaptic effects in this region. The pituitary receptors for (3H)haloperidol and (3H)dopamine have the characteristics of a functional system. The presence of neuroleptic/dopamine receptors in the pituitary and lack of such receptors in the basal hypothalamus supports the hypothesis that dopamine may act directly as a prolactin release inhibiting factor (PIF) rather than releasing PIF from adjacent nerve terminals in the median eminence.

Reaction of N-(3-pyrene)maleimide with thiol groups of reticulocyte ribosomes

The reaction of N-(3-pyrene)maleimide with thiol groups of rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes offers a possible fluorescent probe for studying ribosomal structure and conformation. At relatively low concentrations of N-(3-pyrene)maleimide a group of 30-40 readily reactive sulfhydryl residues is derivatized. The major ribosomal proteins containing these thiol groups are identified as S2 + S3, S5, S7, S8, S29, S31, S32, L1, L5, L6, L10 + L14, L15, L18 + L19, and L36. Ribosomal activity, as measured by the nonenzymic binding of phenylalanyl-tRNA and polyphenylalanine synthesis, is inhibited by this degree of reaction with N-(3-pyrene)maleimide. The inhibition is relieved by the prior binding of polyuridylic acid to the ribosomes while the extent of derivatization by N-(3-pyrene)-maleimide is diminished only slightly. The average relative polarization of the fluorescence of the ribosomal bound N-(3-pyrene)maleimide changes significantly with the degree of derivatization of ribosomal thiol groups or with the binding of polyuridylic acid, indicating the value of such a fluorescent thiol-derivatizing agent as a probe of ribosomal structure.

N-Isopropyl derivatives of dopamine and 5,6-dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin

Secondary and tertiary amino homologs of the title compounds have been prepared, bearing an N-isopropyl group. In peripheral evaluation, certain members of the series exhibited beta-adrenergic agonist effects of lower activity than isoproterenol. N-Methyl-N-isopropyl-5,6-dihydroxytetralin exhibited marked properties consistent with its being an alpha agonist, and it is concluded that introduction of considerable bulk about the nitrogen of a catecholamine does not a priori destroy alpha-agonist effects. The compounds qualitatively paralleled the effects of dopamine in assays based upon direct intrastriatal administration in rats, although they were less potent than dopamine.

Trans-2-Acetoxycyclobutyltrimethylammonium iodide, a cyclobutane analog of "trans-ACTM"

The (+/-) title compound was prepared to evaluate prior observations that certain acetylcholine congeners derived from cyclobutane are devoid of muscarinic effects. It was prepared by a multistep sequence from trans-2-carbomethoxycyclobutyl methyl ketone. In a guinea pig ileum assay, it was 0.02 times as active as AcCh, and in a dog blood pressure assay, it was 0.09 times as active. In these assays, its (+/-)-cyclopropane congener and AcCh were equally active. This is the first cyclobutane-derived AcCh congener possessing significant muscarinic effect.

Cellular phosphorylation of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine 5-azacytidine with intact fibrosarcoma and leukemic cells

The phosphorylation of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) and 5-azacytidine (5-aza-C) by A(T1)C1-3 hamster fibrosarcoma cells and L5178Y murine leukemic cells was studied, using intact cells. The cellular phosphorylation of both these nucleoside analogs appears to follow Michaelis-Menton kinetics. The apparent Km value for ara-C in the fibrosarcoma and leukemic cells was about 40 muM, whereas the apparent Km values for 5-aza-C in these cells were about 1.3 and 0.41 mM, respectively. Deoxycytidine and cytidine were found to be potent competitive inhibitors of the phosphorylation of ara-C and 5-aza-C, respectively, ara-C and 5-aza-C were found to be weak competitive inhibitors of the phosphorylation of deoxycytidine and cytidine, respectively. A clone isolated from the fibrosarcoma cells that was partially resistant to the cytotoxic effects of ara-C exhibited a higher Km value for both ara-C and deoxycytidine than the wild-type fibrosarcoma cells.