[The free-radical mechanisms of the cytotoxic action of 1,2-benzoquinone derivatives].

Abstract

The authors examined the interaction of 1,2-benzoquinone derivatives with HeLa cell cultures and ascite Ehrlich's cancer cells. 4-N (anilino)-5-methoxy-1,2-benzoquinone was found to produce a marked toxic effects against tumor cells. The cytotoxic effect is oxygen dependent and associated with the formation of oxygen radicals in quinone's redox cyclization reactions. The inhibitory analysis was used to show that the major mediators of the toxic action of the agent are superoxide radical-anion and hydrogen peroxide. It is concluded that the interaction of highly toxic oxygen radicals, which are generated in quinone redox cyclization, with plasma membrane cells is likely to be the mechanism responsible for cellular destruction when quinones act on tumor cells.

• Authors: S D Speranskiĭ, V P Zorin, A V Pogirnitskaia, E Ch Speranskaia, S N Cherenkevich
• Journal: Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia (Eksp Klin Farmakol) 1993 May-Jun Vol. 56 Issue 3 Pg. 45-7 ISSN: 0869-2092 [Print] Russia (Federation)
• Vernacular Title: Svobodnoradikal'nye mekhanizmy tsitotoksicheskogo deĭstviia proizvodnykh 1,2-benzokhinona.
• PMID: 8219992 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Benzoquinones
• Free Radicals

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents (pharmacokinetics, toxicity)
• Benzoquinones (pharmacokinetics, toxicity)
• Carcinoma, Ehrlich Tumor (metabolism)
• Free Radicals
• HeLa Cells (drug effects, metabolism)
• Humans
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred Strains
• Neoplasm Transplantation
• Oxidation-Reduction
• Tumor Cells, Cultured (drug effects, metabolism)