Cytotoxic chelators and chelates 1. Inhibition of DNA synthesis in cultured rodent and human cells by aroylhydrazones and by a copper(II) complex of salicylaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone

Abstract

Aroylhydrazones of pyridoxal and of salicylaldehyde, a series of tridentate chelating agents, are potent inhibitors of DNA synthesis and cell growth in a number of human and rodent cell lines grown in culture. A copper(II) complex of the most potent of the chelators, salicylaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (SBH), exhibits significantly greater inhibitory activity than does SBH itself. Although the bioactive forms and mechanism of action of these agents are uncertain, their cytotoxic activity can equal or exceed that of many chelators and chelates previously known to possess such properties, including compounds used clinically. SBH and its copper complex are relatively non-toxic to mice and show some measure of selectivity in their effects on different cell types. It is possible that aroylhydrozones of this type and/or their metal complexes could prove to be useful therapeutic agents.