Magnetic microcapsules for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs

To achieve targeted distribution of anticancer drugs with sustained activity, ferromagnetic ethylcellulose microcapsules containing an anticancer drug, mitomycin C (FM-MMC-mc), were prepared by a method based on phase separation principles. Two prototypes of FM-MMC-mc were made: one with the drug as the core and zinc ferrite on its capsular surface (outer type); the other with both the drug and zinc ferrite as the core (inner type). Both preparations provided a sustained-release property and a sensitive response to conventional magnetic force, although certain differences in the release rate of drug, magnetic responsiveness, and particle size were found between the two dosage forms. Animal studies showed that the magnetic microcapsules could be magnetically controlled in the artery and urinary bladder. VX2 tumors in the rabbit hind limb and urinary bladder were successfully treated with magnetic control of FM-MMC-mc. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that the targeting of the microcapsules markedly enhanced the drug absorption into the surrounding tissues for a prolonged period of time. The results indicate the feasibility and effectiveness of the magnetic microcapsules as a targeted drug delivery system.     

Spectroscopic identification of the CO-H2O 2-1 cluster trapped in an argon matrix

The infrared spectra of the carbon monoxide-water cluster as well as the CO monomer and dimer in an argon matrix at cryogenic temperatures have been reinvestigated on the basis of the isotope substitution experiment with 12CO and 13CO. Lines due to the CO-H2O 2-1 cluster in the matrix have been unambiguously identified in the CO and OH stretching regions. The isotope effect on the vibrational frequency of the cluster is observed in the CO stretching vibration but neither in the symmetric nor antisymmetric OH stretching vibrations. Each of the two vibrational lines due to the two CO vibrations of the CO-H2O 2-1 cluster is examined by comparing the expected spectral features at a 12CO/13CO ratio on a simulation with those observed experimentally. The migration of the trapped molecules (CO and H2O) in the matrix is discussed, in which the observed spectral change with the deposition temperature from 14 K to 30 K is explained.     

Computer-aided structure elucidation methods

Computer-aided structure elucidation methodology is discussed. Major processes involved in computer-aided structure elucidation systems are partial-structure elucidation, structure generation, and structure examination. For the three representative systems CONGEN, CASE, and CHEMICS, these processes are examined. There are four necessary conditions for automated chemical structure elucidation systems: reliability, width of application, ease of modification and portability.     

Marstomentosides O-T polyoxypregnane glycosides from Marsdenia tomentosa

Thirteen pregnane glycosides were isolated from fresh leaves of Marsdenia tomentosa collected in the Fukuyama district. Of these, six were glycosides previously obtained from the same plant collected in the Fukuoka district and one from another Asclepiadaceous plant. The structures of the six new glycosides were determined by spectrometric method.     

LIGHT-INDUCED SYNTHESIS OF ANTHOCYANIN IN CARROT CELLS IN SUSPENSION—IV. THE ACTION SPECTRUM

Abstract— Using carrot cell suspension in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-depleted culture medium, fluence-response curves for the formation of anthocyanin were determined at various wavelengths from 250 to 800 nm. In the fluence-response curves at wavelengths between 260 and 330 nm, the response showed a sharp fluence-dependent increase after the fluence exceeded threshold level at the respective wavelength. Such a sharp increase in response was not observed by light at 450 nm or longer wavelengths, although the response obtained by higher fluence of such light was always higher than that in the dark control. Action spectra determined at the sharp increasing phase of the response showed the single peak at 280 nm which equals the absorption maximum of UV-B photoreceptor.
Although red (R)-light alone had a minor effect on anthocyanin accumulation, it modulated the action of UV-B light. That is, when carrot cells were irradiated with R-light either before or after UV-B irradiation, anthocyanin formation was greatly enhanced above the level enhanced by UV-B light alone. The most effective wavelength for this enhancement was 660 nm. The effect of R-light on the anthocyanin formation of the UV-B irradiated cells was reversed by immediately following it with far-red light, suggesting the involvement of phytochrome in the R-effect.     

Preparation and biological activity of 2-[4-(thiazol-2-yl)phenyl]propionic acid derivatives inhibiting cyclooxygenase.

A series of 2-[4-(thiazol-2-yl)phenyl]propionic acids substituted at various positions were prepared by the reaction of diethyl 2-methyl-2-(4-thiocarbamoylphenyl)malonates with alpha-bromoaldehyde diethyl acetals or alpha-haloketones followed by hydrolysis of esters. The inhibition of prostaglandin H synthetase (cyclooxygenase) was assayed by use of an enzyme preparation from guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Examination of the structure-activity relationship of these compounds indicated that the substitution pattern with halogens at position 3 (R1) of the benzene ring and a methyl group in position 4 (R2) and/or 5 (R3) of the thiazole ring were favorable for inhibitory activity. The compounds bearing bulky alkyl or polar functional groups at the R2 position were weak inhibitors. The potent inhibitors of cyclooxygenase were tested for their ability to reduce carrageenin-induced inflammation of rat paws. These derivatives had strong anti-inflammatory activity based on their strong inhibition of cyclooxygenase, with some exceptions, including those with a thiomethyl group at R1.     

Aryl-aryl coupling reaction using a novel and highly active palladium reagent prepared from Pd(OAc)2, 1,3-bis[diphenylphosphino]propane (DPPP), and Bu3P

A palladium-assisted coupling reaction of aryl triflate with arene was investigated, and a novel Pd reagent prepared from equimolar Pd(OAc)2, 1,3-Bis[diphenylphosphino]propane (DPPP), and Bu3P was developed. This method is useful for intramolecular biaryl coupling reactions, not only between aryl triflate and arene (triflate-amide), but also between aryl halide and arene (halo-amide).     

On the electronic character of localized singlet 2,2-dimethoxycyclopentane-1,3-diyl diradicals: substituent effects on the lifetime

Photodenitrogenation of the diazenes 4 affords exclusively the housanes 5 through intramolecular cyclization of the spectrally detected and characterized singlet diradicals 3. The lifetime of singlet diradical 3, determined by transient absorption measurements, depends on the Y and Z substituents at the para position of the phenyl ring and has the following order: Y, Z = OMe, OMe > OMe, CN > CN, CN > OMe, H > Cl, Cl approximately CN, H approximately Me, Me > H, H. This unprecedented substituent effect reveals stabilization of the singlet 2,2-dimethoxycyclopentane-1,3-diyl diradicals 3 through radical, zwitterionic, pi-bonding, and hyperconjugative structures.     

Analysis of novel imidazoles from isolated perfused rabbit heart by two high-performance liquid chromatographic methods.

The paper reports two analytical high-performance liquid chromatographic methods to detect and quantify cardiac-derived histidyl derivatives. Method A relies on relative hydrophobicities as a basis of separation. Method B is an ion-pairing method in which the compounds are eluted in an entirely different order. Fractions collected from method A have been co-eluted in admixture in method B with authentic reference compounds. Thus the existence of the following imidazole ring-containing compounds derived from heart have been confirmed: N-acetylhistidine, N-acetyl-1-methylhistidine, N-acetylcarnosine, N-acetylhomocarnosine, homocarnosine, anserine, carnosine, balenine. Compounds were found in both tissue samples and perfusates.