Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of new derivatives of pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazolic ring system: the pyrido[1',2':1,2]imidazo[4,5-h]quinazolines

Access to the original series of pyrido1',2':1,2]imidazo4,5-h]quinazoline was developed from a 1,3-dicarbonyl unit with some "N-C-N" bisnucleophilic reagents and the derivatives obtained were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activities against HL60 and A2780 cells. All compounds exhibited cytotoxic activities on resistant cell lines (MDR+; HL60R and A2780R) with no resistance phenomena.