Inhibition of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase by lignans.

Abstract

CAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors contained in Forsythia suspensa were identified as lignans, (+)-pinoresinol and (+)-pinoresinol-.beta.-D-glucoside and their structure-activity relationship was investigated. In pinoresinol congeners, the configuration of the 2 phenyl rings is very important in relation to the activity. When both of the p-hydroxyl groups in matairesinol congeners are substituted by methyl or glucose, the activities are decreased as compared with those of the unsubstituted compounds. [These inhibitors were isolated in an effort to find new pharmacological enzyme inhibitors.].