Identification and characterization of zinc binding sites in protein kinase C.

Metal ion coordination in the regulatory domain of protein kinase C (PKC) is suggested by the conservation of six cysteines and two histidines in two homologous regions found therein. By monitoring x-ray fluorescence from a purified sample of rat PKC beta I overexpressed in insect cells, direct evidence has been obtained that PKC beta I tightly binds four zinc ions (Zn2+) per molecule. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data are best fit by an average Zn2+ coordination of one nitrogen and three sulfur atoms. Of the plausible Zn2+ coordination models, only those featuring nonbridged Zn2+ sites accommodate the EXAFS data and all of the conserved potential ligands.

Combination therapy with the farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor SCH66336 and SCH58500 (p53 adenovirus) in preclinical cancer models.

SCH66336 is a p.o.-active, farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor. SCH66336 inhibits farnesylation of RAS and other proteins in tumor cells and suppresses tumor growth in human xenograft and transgenic mouse cancer models in vivo. SCH58500 is a replication-deficient, recombinant adenovirus, which expresses the human p53 tumor suppressor. In preclinical models, SCH58500 has therapeutic efficacy against a wide range of human tumor types containing nonfunctional p53 and enhanced activity in combination with many chemotherapeutic drugs. Here we report that combination therapy with SCH66336 and SCH58500 has synergistic or additive antiproliferative effects on a panel of tumor cells lines in vitro. The efficacy of the three-drug combination of SCH66336, SCH58500, and paclitaxel was also examined in vitro. Each two-drug interaction displayed such marked synergy, the addition of a third drug to the statistical model could only yield additivity. Greater combined efficacy for SCH66336 and SCH58500 was also observed in vivo in the DU-145 human prostate and wap-ras/F transgenic mouse cancer models.

A Phase I trial of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor SCH66336: evidence for biological and clinical activity.

Farnesyl protein transferase (FT), an enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the posttranslational modification of ras and a number of other polypeptides, has emerged as an important target for the development of anticancer agents. SCH66336 is one of the first FT inhibitors to undergo clinical testing. We report a Phase I trial to assess the maximum tolerated dose, toxicities, and biological effectiveness of SCH66336 in inhibiting FT in vivo. Twenty patients with solid tumors received 92 courses of escalating SCH66336 doses given orally twice a day (b.i.d.) for 7 days out of every 3 weeks. Gastrointestinal toxicity (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) and fatigue were dose-limiting at 400 mg of SCH66336 b.i.d. Moderate reversible renal insufficiency, secondary to dehydration from gastrointestinal toxicity, was also seen. Inhibition of prelamin A farnesylation in buccal mucosa cells of patients treated with SCH66336 was demonstrated, confirming that SCH66336 inhibits protein farnesylation in vivo. One partial response was observed in a patient with previously treated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, who remained on study for 14 months. This study not only establishes the dose for future testing on this schedule (350 mg b.i.d.) but also provides the first evidence of successful inhibition of FT in the clinical setting and the first hint of clinical activity for this class of agents.

Antitumor activity of SCH 66336, an orally bioavailable tricyclic inhibitor of farnesyl protein transferase, in human tumor xenograft models and wap-ras transgenic mice.

We have been developing a series of nonpeptidic, small molecule farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors that share a common tricyclic nucleus and compete with peptide/protein substrates for binding to farnesyl protein transferase. Here, we report on pharmacological and in vivo studies with SCH 66336, a lead compound in this structural class. SCH 66336 potently inhibits Ha-Ras processing in whole cells and blocks the transformed growth properties of fibroblasts and human tumor cell lines expressing activated Ki-Ras proteins. The anchorage-independent growth of many human tumor lines that lack an activated ras oncogene is also blocked by treatment with SCH 66336. In mouse, rat, and monkey systems, SCH 66336 has excellent oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties. In the nude mouse, SCH 66336 demonstrated potent oral activity in a wide array of human tumor xenograft models including tumors of colon, lung, pancreas, prostate, and urinary bladder origin. Enhanced in vivo efficacy was observed when SCH 66336 was combined with various cytotoxic agents (cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and vincristine). In a Ha-Ras transgenic mouse model, prophylactic treatment with SCH 66336 delayed tumor onset, reduced the average number of tumors/mouse, and reduced the average tumor weight/animal. In a therapeutic mode in which gavage treatment was initiated after the transgenic mice had developed palpable tumors, significant tumor regression was induced by SCH 66336 in a dose-dependent fashion. This was associated with increased apoptosis and decreased DNA synthesis in tumors of animals treated with SCH 66336. Enhanced efficacy was also observed in this model when SCH 66336 was combined with cyclophosphamide. SCH 66336 is presently being evaluated in Phase I clinical trials.

Treatment of neoplastic meningitis with intrathecal temozolomide.

Neoplastic meningitis (NM) results from leptomeningeal dissemination of cancers arising within the central nervous system or metastasizing to the leptomeninges from systemic neoplasms. The inability to produce therapeutic drug levels intrathecally (i.t.) with systemic administration and the minimal efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents currently available for direct i.t. use limit therapy. Temozolomide [8-carbamoyl-3-methylimidazo[5,1-d]-1,2,3,5-tetrazin-4([3H])-one] is a novel methylating agent with proven activity against intraparenchymal malignant gliomas (MGs). Insolubility of the standard formulation prevents its efficacious use as an i.t. agent, however. To overcome this obstacle, we have developed a unique microcrystalline formulation of temozolomide with greatly enhanced solubility. Treatment of athymic rats bearing subarachnoid MER- human MG xenografts with four doses of i.t. microcrystalline temozolomide over a 2-week period produced a 142% increase in median survival at individual doses of 2.2 micromol (P = 0.0073) and a >367% increase in median survival at individual doses of 6.8 micromol (P = 0.0015). At the higher dose tested, three of eight rats treated developed no neurological symptoms and had no evidence of residual tumor on histological examination after treatment. Use of this microcrystalline formulation in athymic rats bearing subarachnoid MER+ human MG xenografts increased median survival >132% (P < 0.0058) at both dose levels tested. Toxicity directly attributable to the i.t. administration of microcrystalline temozolomide was exhibited in the highest dose groups only and was limited to small patchy areas of focal demyelination involving <5% of spinal cord long tracks.

Orally bioavailable farnesyltransferase inhibitors as anticancer agents in transgenic and xenograft models.

The in vivo evaluation process described here was instrumental in the identification of SCH 66336 as a clinical candidate. Our lead FTI, SCH 66336, and several other FTIs are being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials to establish proof-of-principle for farnesyl transferase inhibition in human patients. The preclinical studies described here suggest that FTIs may have utility against a wide array of human cancers as a single agent and may, at least in some cases, lead to tumor regression. In addition, the results to date in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents in animal models indicate that these combinations may enhance the clinical efficacy of FPT inhibitors. Further preclinical studies should help to guide the clinical development of this class of novel antitumor agents.

Potent, selective, and orally bioavailable tricyclic pyridyl acetamide N-oxide inhibitors of farnesyl protein transferase with enhanced in vivo antitumor activity.

We previously reported compound 1 as a potent farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibitor that exhibited reasonable pharmacokinetic stability and showed moderate in vivo activity against a variety of tumor cell lines. The analogous C-11 single compound, pyridylacetamide 2, was found to be more potent than 1 in FPT inhibition. Further studies showed that modification of the ethano bridge of the tricyclic ring system by conversion into a double bond with concomitant introduction of a single bond at C-11 piperidine resulted in compound 3 that had superior FPT activity and pharmacokinetic stability. Compound 4, a 5-bromo-substituted analogue of 3, showed improved FPT activity, had good cellular activity, and demonstrated a remarkably improved pharmacokinetic profile with AUC of 84.9 and t1/2 of 82 min. Compound4 inhibited the growth of solid tumor in DLD-1 model by 70% at 50 mpk and 52% at 10 mpk.

Structure-activity relationship of 3-substituted N-(pyridinylacetyl)-4- (8-chloro-5,6-dihydro-11H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-ylidene )- piperidine inhibitors of farnesyl-protein transferase: design and synthesis of in vivo active antitumor compounds.

Novel tricyclic Ras farnesyl-protein transferase (FPT) inhibitors are described. A comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of compounds arising from substitution at the 3-position of the tricyclic pyridine ring system has been explored. In the case of halogens, the chloro, bromo, and iodo analogues 19, 22, and 28 were found to be equipotent. However, the fluoro analogue 17 was an order of magnitude less active. Whereas a small alkyl substituent such as a methyl group resulted in a very potent FPT inhibitor (SCH 56580), introduction of bulky substituents such as tert-butyl, compound 33, or a phenyl group, compound 29, resulted in inactive FPT inhibitors. Polar groups at the 3-position such as amino 5, alkylamino 6, and hydroxyl 12 were less active. Whereas compound SCH 44342 did not show appreciable in vivo antitumor activity, the 3-bromo-substituted pyridyl N-oxide amide analogue 38 was a potent FPT inhibitor that reduced tumor growth by 81% when administered q.i.d. at 50 mpk and 52% at 10 mpk. These compounds are nonpeptidic and do not contain sulfhydryl groups. They selectively inhibit FPT and not geranylgeranyl-protein transferase-1 (GGPT-1). They also inhibit H-Ras processing in COS monkey kidney cells and soft agar growth of Ras-transformed cells.

(+)-4-[2-[4-(8-Chloro-3,10-dibromo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[5, 6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]- pyridin-11(R)-yl)-1-piperidinyl]-2-oxo-ethyl]-1-piperidinecarboxamid e (SCH-66336): a very potent farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor as a novel antitumor agent.

We have previously shown that appropriate modification of the benzocycloheptapyridine tricyclic ring system can provide potent farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibitors with good cellular activity. Our laboratories have also established that incorporation of either pyridinylacetyl N-oxide or 4-N-carboxamidopiperidinylacetyl moieties results in pharmacokinetically stable inhibitors that are orally efficacious in nude mice. We now demonstrate that further elaboration of the tricyclic ring system by introducing a bromine atom at the 7- or the 10-position of the 3-bromo-8-chlorotricyclic ring system provides compounds that have superior potency and selectivity in FPT inhibition. These compounds have good serum levels and half-lives when given orally to rodents and primates. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a panel of these inhibitors has led to identification of 15 (SCH 66336) as a highly potent (IC50 = 1.9 nM) antitumor agent that is currently undergoing human clinical trials.

Inhibitors of farnesyl protein transferase. 4-Amido, 4-carbamoyl, and 4-carboxamido derivatives of 1-(8-chloro-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[5,6]- cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-yl)piperazine and 1-(3-bromo-8-chloro-6,11- dihydro-5H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-yl)piperazine.

The synthesis of a variety of novel 4-amido, 4-carbamoyl and 4-carboxamido derivatives of 1-(8-chloro-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridin-11-yl) piperazine to explore the SAR of this series of FPT inhibitors is described. This resulted in the synthesis of the 4- and 3-pyridylacetyl analogues 45a and 50a, respectively, both of which were orally active but were found to be rapidly metabolized in vivo. Identification of the principal metabolites led to the synthesis of a variety of new compounds that would be less readily metabolized, the most interesting of which were the 3- and 4-pyridylacetyl N-oxides 80a and 83a. Novel replacements for the pyridylacetyl moiety were also sought, and this resulted in the discovery of the 4-N-methyl and 4-N-carboxamidopiperidinylacetyl derivatives 135a and 160a, respectively. All of these derivatives exhibited greatly improved pharmacokinetics. The synthesis of the corresponding 3-bromo analogues resulted in the discovery of the 4-pyridylacetyl N-oxides 83b (+/-) and 85b [11S(-)] and the 4-carboxamidopiperidinylacetamido derivative 160b (+/-), all of which exhibited potent FPT inhibition in vitro. All three showed excellent oral bioavailability in vivo in nude mice and cynomolgus monkeys and exhibited excellent antitumor efficacy against a series of tumor cell lines when dosed orally in nude mice.

Identification of pharmacokinetically stable 3, 10-dibromo-8-chlorobenzocycloheptapyridine farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors with potent enzyme and cellular activities.

Farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) is a promising target for the development of cancer chemotherapeutics because it is responsible for the farnesylation of oncogenic p21 Ras proteins which are found in nearly 30% of all human cancers and necessary for cellular development and growth. The recent discovery and progression to phase II clinical trials of trihalobenzocycloheptapyridine Sch-66336 as a potent inhibitor of FPT with oral, in vivo efficacy in mice have spawned extensive structure-activity relationship studies (SAR) of this class of compounds. Of the many trihalobenzocycloheptapyridine analogues prepared, we have identified several which inhibit FPT and cellular proliferation at single-digit nanomolar concentrations and which have good pharmacokinetic properties in mice.

Inhibition of protein kinase C by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin.

We examined the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erbstatin and several derivatives for their ability to inhibit serine/threonine protein kinases in vitro. Erbstatin was found to inhibit protein kinase C (PKC) with an IC50 of 19.8 +/- 3.2 microM. A trihydroxy derivative of erbstatin inhibited PKC with similar potency, whereas the corresponding methoxy derivatives were inactive. Inhibition by erbstatin was competitive with ATP (Ki = 11.0 +/- 2.3 microM) and non-competitive with the phosphate acceptor, either histone or the synthetic peptide kemptide. Action of erbstatin at the catalytic site of PKC was further indicated by the findings that it inhibited the catalytic fragment of PKC but did not inhibit the interaction of phorbol ester with the intact enzyme. Erbstatin had a similar potency against three PKC isozymes (alpha, beta, and gamma) examined. In addition, erbstatin was found to inhibit other serine/threonine kinases (assayed at their Km for ATP). The greatest potency was observed versus the cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases, while lower potency was seen versus myosin light chain kinase. These observations are discussed in terms of the structure and kinetic properties of PKC and the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase.

The farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor SCH66336 synergizes with taxanes in vitro and enhances their antitumor activity in vivo.

PURPOSE: SCH66336 is an orally active, farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor. SCH66336 inhibits ras farnesylation in tumor cells and suppresses tumor growth in human xenograft and transgenic mouse cancer models in vivo. The taxanes, paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere) block cell mitosis by enhancing polymerization of tubulin monomers into stabilized microtubule bundles, resulting in apoptosis. We hypothesized that anticancer combination therapy with SCH66336 and taxanes would be more efficacious than single drug therapy. METHODS: We tested the efficacy of SCH66336 and taxanes when used in combination against tumor cell proliferation in vitro, against NCI-H460 human lung tumor xenografts in nude mice, and against mammary tumors in wap-ras transgenic mice. RESULTS: SCH66336 synergized with paclitaxel in 10 out of 11 tumor cells lines originating from breast, colon, lung, ovary, prostate, and pancreas. SCH66336 also synergized with docetaxel in four out of five cell lines tested. In the NCI-H460 lung cancer xenograft model, oral SCH66336 (20 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days) and intraperitoneal paclitaxel (5 mg/kg once daily for 4 days) caused a tumor growth inhibition of 56% by day 7 and 65% by day 14 compared to paclitaxel alone. Male transgenic mice of the wap-ras/F substrain [FVB/N-TgN(WapHRAS)69LlnYSJL] spontaneously develop mammary tumors at 6 9 weeks of age which have been previously shown to be resistant to paclitaxel. Paclitaxel resistance was confirmed in the present study, while SCH66336 inhibited growth of these tumors. Most importantly, SCH66336 was able to sensitize wap-ras/F mammary tumors to paclitaxel chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Clinical investigation of combination therapy using SCH66336 and taxanes in cancer patients is warranted. Further, SCH66336 may be useful for sensitizing paclitaxel-resistant tumors to taxane treatment.

Effects of SCH 59228, an orally bioavailable farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor, on the growth of oncogene-transformed fibroblasts and a human colon carcinoma xenograft in nude mice.

The products of the Ha-, Ki-, and N-ras proto-oncogenes comprise a family of 21 kDa guanine nucleotide-binding proteins which play a crucial role in growth factor signal transduction and in the control of cellular proliferation and differentiation. Activating mutations in the ras oncogenes occur in a wide variety of human tumors. Ras proteins undergo a series of posttranslational processing events. The first modification is addition of the 15-carbon isoprene, farnesyl, to a Cys residue near the carboxy-terminus of Ras. Prenylation allows the Ras oncoprotein to localize to the plasma membrane where it can initiate downstream signalling events leading to cellular transformation. Inhibitors of the enzyme which catalyzes this step, farnesyl protein transferase (FPT), are a potential class of novel anticancer drugs which interfere with Ras function. SCH 59228 is a tricyclic FPT inhibitor which inhibits the farnesylation of purified Ha-Ras with an IC50 of 95 nM and blocks the processing of Ha-Ras in Cos cells with an IC50 of 0.6 microM. SCH 59228 has favorable pharmacokinetic properties upon oral dosing in nude mice. The in vivo efficacy of SCH 59228 was evaluated using a panel of tumor models grown in nude mice. These included several rodent fibroblast lines expressing mutationally-activated (val12) forms of the Ha-Ras oncogene. In some cases, these proteins contain their native C-terminal sequence (CVLS) which directs farnesylation. In one model, the C-terminal sequence was altered to CVLL, making the expressed protein a substrate for a distinct prenyl transferase, geranylgeranyl protein transferase-1. When dosed orally at 10 and 50 mg/kg (four times a day, 7 days a week) SCH 59228 significantly inhibited tumor growth of cells expressing farnesylated Ha-Ras in a dose-dependent manner; over 90% growth inhibition was observed at the 50 mg/kg dose. Tumor growth of cells expressing the geranylgeranylated form of Ha-Ras was less potently inhibited. Growth of tumors derived from a rodent fibroblast line expressing activated Ki-Ras containing its native C-terminal sequence (CVIM), which preferentially directs farnesylation, was also inhibited by SCH 59228. Inhibition in the Ki-Ras model was less than that observed in the Ha-Ras model. In contrast, tumors derived from cells transformed with the mos oncogene were not significantly inhibited even at the highest dose level. SCH 59228 also significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the growth of human colon adenocarcinoma DLD-1 xenografts (which express activated Ki-ras). These results indicate that SCH 59228 possesses in vivo antitumor activity upon oral dosing in tumor models expressing activated ras oncogenes. This is the first report of oral antitumor activity with an FPT inhibitor. These results are discussed in light of recent observations on alternative prenylation of some Ras isoforms.

Regulation of phospholipid hydrolysis and second messenger formation by protein kinase C.

The binding of a variety of agonists to their receptors leads to the breakdown of membrane phospholipids and the formation of intracellular second messengers. Hydrolysis of inositol phospholipids by phospholipase C results in the formation of two second messengers, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate which mobilizes intracellular calcium and the neutral lipid diacylglycerol (DAG) which binds to and activates protein kinase C (PKC). PKC is actually a family of homologous serine/threonine protein kinases which play a central role in regulation of growth, differentiation and secretion reactions in a variety of cell types. In addition to these feedforward roles of PKC, it is thought to play an important feedback role, regulating early events in signal transduction. To explore these feedback functions we have examined the effect of PKC inhibitors on second messenger formation in thrombin-stimulated human platelets (a rapidly responding system) and the effect of PKC overexpression on second messenger formation and mitogenesis in rat fibroblasts (a system where sustained signaling occurs). Treatment of platelets with inhibitors of PKC potentiates DAG mass formation in response to thrombin while prior activation of PKC with phorbol esters blocks DAG mass formation, consistent with PKC playing a negative feedback role, inhibiting inositol phospholipid breakdown. DAG can also be formed by the sequential hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipase D and phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase. This is a minor reaction in the rapidly responding platelet system, but may play a role in sustained signaling events. We have found that fibroblasts which overexpress the beta 1 isozyme of PKC display greatly enhanced DAG formation and phospholipase D activation in response to phorbol ester treatment. Upon stimulation of fibroblasts with thrombin, phospholipase D activation is also enhanced by PKC overexpression while formation of inositol phosphates is suppressed. These data suggest that PKC may act as a switch, terminating inositol phospholipid hydrolysis and activating the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine. Furthermore, we have observed a strong correlation between activation of phospholipase D and mitogenesis, suggesting an important role for this enzyme in long-term cellular responses to activation.

Membrane phospholipid bilayer assembly: phospholipid biosynthetic enzymes and phospholipid transporters.

Assembly of the phospholipid bilayer of cellular membranes is a fundamental aspect of cell growth and proliferation. Phospholipids are concomitantly synthesized and inserted at the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum. Following this asymmetric assembly, transmembrane movement to the lumenal leaflet of the endoplasmic reticulum must occur in order to ensure coordinated growth of the bilayer. For phosphatidylcholine, the predominant phospholipid of eukaryotic membranes, this latter process appears to be facilitated by a specific transport protein.

SCH 47112, a novel staurosporine derivative, inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia in hairless mouse skin.

Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates keratinocyte growth and differentiation as well as inflammation in skin, processes which are abnormal in skin diseases such as psoriasis. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) binds to and activates PKC. We investigated the effects of SCH 47112, a novel staurosporine derivative, which interacts with the catalytic domain of PKC, on TPA-induced inflammation and hyperplasia in hairless mouse skin and TPA-induced differentiation in cultured human keratinocytes. Dorsal mouse skin was treated with vehicle, TPA (2.0/ 2.5 nmol) or SCH 47112 followed by TPA. Epidermal thickness, and epidermal, upper dermal and deep dermal inflammation (assessed on an ordinal semiquantitative scale) were determined in biopsies taken 24 h and 48 h post-treatment. SCH 47112 (100 nmol) inhibited TPA-induced epidermal, upper dermal and deep dermal inflammation by 71%, 45% and 22%, respectively, at 24 h (n = 3, P < 0.05). TPA-induced epidermal hyperplasia was inhibited by SCH 47112 (400 nmol) by 38% at 48 h (n = 3, P < 0.05). In addition, in cultured human keratinocytes, SCH 47112 inhibited TPA induction of transglutaminase. I protein, which catalyzes the formation of crosslinked envelopes. These results indicate that SCH 47112 exhibits biological activity, inhibiting TPA-induced changes in hairless mouse skin in vivo and cultured human keratinocytes in vitro, and suggest that PKC inhibitors may have a therapeutic role in inflammatory skin diseases.

A novel class of platelet activating factor antagonists from Phoma sp.

Four novel platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonists, Sch 47918, Sch 49026, Sch 49027 and Sch 49028, were isolated from the fermentation broth of the fungal culture, Phoma sp. (ATCC 74077). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The structure and stereochemistry of the first isolated component, Sch 47918, were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Sch 49028, the most active component, was found to inhibit PAF-induced human platelet aggregation in vitro with an IC50 of 1.26 microM. However, this compound was inactive in vivo at 5 mg/kg, iv against PAF-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs.

Attenuation of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol second messengers. Metabolism of exogenous diacylglycerols by human platelets.

The metabolism of exogenous [3H]diacylglycerols by intact human platelets was studied in order to examine: the metabolic fate of these second messengers in an intact cell, the effect of diacylglycerol kinase and diacylglycerol lipase inhibitors on this metabolism, the effect of agonist stimulation on metabolism, and the dependence of metabolism on diacylglycerol chain length. When 2.5 microM [3H]dioctanoylglycerol (diC8) was added to 10(9) platelets it was rapidly metabolized; 80% was converted to various products in 2.5 min. Initially, 40% was recovered as 3H-labeled phospholipid (predominantly phosphatidic acid) reflecting the action of diacylglycerol kinase, 20% was recovered as [3H]glycerol due to the action of diacylglycerol and monoacylglycerol lipases, and small amounts were recovered as triacylglycerol and monoacylglycerol. Thrombin stimulation of platelets did not affect the rate or pathway of metabolism. Pretreatment of platelets with the diacylglycerol kinase inhibitors, diC8ethyleneglycol or 1-monooleoylglycerol, inhibited 3H-labeled phospholipid production 47% and 75%, respectively, and resulted in a longer lived diC8 signal. The diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, RHC 80267, inhibited the production of water-soluble metabolites 75%. Despite inhibition of the lipase, the overall metabolism of exogenous [3H]diC8 occurred at a similar rate as in control platelets due to an increased flux towards phospholipid. The ability of exogenous diacylglycerols to be metabolized by diacylglycerol kinase correlated well with their ability to activate protein kinase C in platelets. [3H]Dibutyroylglycerol, didodecanoylglycerol, and ditetradecanoylglycerol, were not metabolized by this route. These diacylglycerols were still metabolized via the lipase pathway. The results indicate that platelets possess potent attenuation systems to defend against the accumulation of diacylglycerol second messengers, and that the primary metabolic fate of cell-permeable, exogenous diacylglycerols is conversion to phosphatidic acid.