The reactivity of radiomimetic compounds. 1. Cross-linking of proteins

Abstract

To examine the hypothesis that the radiomimetic alkylating agents function by a cross-linking mechanism, the action of a representative group of these compounds was studied with serum albumin in soln. and with wool. It was shown from molecular wt. detns. using light scattering that the serum albumin is cross-linked in a 2% (wt./vol.) soln. by the N mustards, bis-epoxides and tris-(ethyl-eneimino)triazine. Examination of the physical properties of wool fibers after reaction with 20 radiomimetric and related compounds showed that cross-linking can be brought about by most of these substances. There appears to be no correlation between the biological activity of a compound and its effectiveness as cross-linking agent in the systems examined. Expts. with acetylated and esterified wool fibers indicate that the cross-links involve a reaction with amino groups.