The Action of Valepotriates on the Synthesis of DNA and Proteins of Cultured Hepatoma Cells

Abstract

Valtrate, didrovaltrate and deoxido-didrovaltrate were compared for toxicity on cultured rat hepatoma cells (HTC strain) and for their effects on the synthesis of DNA and proteins.

Despite lacking the epoxide function in C₈-C₁₁ position in its molecular structure, deoxido-didrovaltrate has a similar cytotoxicity to didrovaltrate. The toxicity of both these drugs is two times lower than that of valtrate.

Incorporation tests with ³H-thymidine and ³H-leucine on cultured HTC cells revealed that a low dose of valtrate, rapidly and extensively inhibits the synthesis of both DNA and proteins.

Didrovaltrate and deoxido-didrovaltrate have the same effect, but at double the dose.

Key Word Index

Valeriana wallichii - Valerianaceae - Valepotriates - Hepatoma cells - Cytotoxicity - DNA and protein synthesis