Farnesol-derived dicarboxylic acids in the urine of animals treated with zaragozic acid A or with farnesol.

Farnesyl diphosphate, the substrate for squalene synthase, accumulates in the presence of zaragozic acid A, a squalene synthase inhibitor. A possible metabolic fate for farnesyl diphosphate is its conversion to farnesol, then to farnesoic acid, and finally to farnesol-derived dicarboxylic acids (FDDCAs) which would then be excreted in the urine. Seven dicarboxylic acids were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from urine of either rats or dogs treated with zaragozic acid A or rats fed farnesol. Their structures were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Two 12-carbon, four 10-carbon, and one 7-carbon FDDCA were identified. The profile of urinary dicarboxylic acids from rats fed farnesol was virtually identical to that produced by treating with zaragozic acid A, establishing that these dicarboxylic acids are farnesol-derived. By feeding [1-14C]farnesol and comparing the mass of the dicarboxylic acids produced with the ultraviolet absorption of the HPLC peaks, a method to quantitate the ultraviolet-absorbing FDDCAs was devised. When rats were treated with zaragozic acid A, large amounts of FDDCAs were excreted in the urine. The high level of FDDCAs that were found suggests that their synthesis is the major metabolic fate for carbon diverted from cholesterol synthesis by a squalene synthase inhibitor. A metabolic pathway is proposed to explain the production of each of these FDDCAs.

Evaluation of retinal toxicity and liposome encapsulation of the anti-CMV drug 2'-nor-cyclic GMP.

PURPOSE: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important pathogen in the immunocompromised patient. CMV retinitis is a leading cause of blindness in patients with AIDS. Ganciclovir and foscarnet are currently the treatments being used for this retinitis, but they both have major toxicities when used systemically. Intravitreal therapy with ganciclovir has been used in some patients who cannot tolerate systemic treatment. The major problem with this modality is the necessity for administration of between 1 and 3 intravitreal injections per eye per week. 2'-nor-cyclic GMP is a nucleotide analog, a cyclic phosphate derivative of ganciclovir. Neutral salts of the compound are extremely water soluble, and the charged phosphate group at neutral pH make it an ideal candidate for encapsulation into a multivesicular liposome system. METHODS: The authors evaluated the retinal toxicity of the diethanolammonium salt 2'-nor-cyclic GMP by using electroretinographic, morphologic, and ophthalmoscopic techniques after intravitreal injections in rabbit eye. RESULTS: The intraocular therapeutic index for 2'-nor-cyclic GMP is 20. At the 10 micrograms dose, electroretinogram, ophthalmoscopic examination, and both light and electron microscopy revealed no abnormalities. Toxicity was evident at 50 micrograms and higher doses with ERG changes (loss of amplitude) and retinal pathology that varied from vacuolization of the retinal pigment epithelium and loss of height of the outer photoreceptor segment to loss of the entire outer retina. In addition, an in vitro drug release half-life of 1,000 hours (more than 75 times that of ganciclovir) was found for 2'-nor-cyclic GMP in liposome, which may be able to be exploited in the therapy of patients with CMV retinitis unable to tolerate toxic systemic therapy. CONCLUSION: The anti-CMV drug, 2'-nor-cyclic GMP, may be promising for intravitreal injection, particularly if encapsulated into liposomes.

Zaragozic acids: a family of fungal metabolites that are picomolar competitive inhibitors of squalene synthase.

Three closely related fungal metabolites, zaragozic acids A, B, and C, that are potent inhibitors of squalene synthase have been isolated and characterized. Zaragozic acids A, B, and C were produced from an unidentified sterile fungal culture, Sporormiella intermedia, and Leptodontium elatius, respectively. The structures of the zaragozic acids and their trimethyl esters were determined by a combination of physical and chemical techniques. The zaragozic acids are characterized by a novel 2,8-dioxobicyclo[3.2.1]octane-4,6,7- trihydroxyl-3,4,5-tricarboxylic acid core and differ from each other in the structures of the 6-acyl and 1-alkyl side chains. They were found to be potent competitive inhibitors of rat liver squalene synthase with apparent Ki values of 78 pM, 29 pM, and 45 pM, respectively. They inhibited cholesterol synthesis in Hep G2 cells, and zaragozic acid A was an inhibitor of acute hepatic cholesterol synthesis in the mouse (50% inhibitory dose of 200 micrograms/kg of body weight). Inhibition of squalene synthase in cells and in vivo was accompanied by an accumulation of label from [3H]mevalonate into farnesyl diphosphate, farnesol, and organic acids. These data indicate that the zaragozic acids are a previously unreported class of therapeutic agents with potential for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Plasma concentration profiles of simvastatin 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitory activity in kidney transplant recipients with and without ciclosporin.

A few cases of severe rhabdomyolysis have been reported in heart transplant recipients treated simultaneously with ciclosporin (CS) and the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor lovastatin. When measured, plasma lovastatin HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor concentrations in these patients were higher than expected. This prompted us to study the plasma concentration profiles of simvastatin HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity after a single dose of simvastatin in kidney transplant recipients. Five patients treated with CS, azathioprine and prednisolone (CS patients) were compared to 5 patients treated with azathioprine and prednisolone (non-CS patients). The concentration curves had similar shapes but the mean area under the curve/24 h was almost 3 times higher (p = 0.047) and the mean peak concentration was twice as high in CS patients (p = 0.028). These results suggest a difference in the disposition of simvastatin in CS patients as compared to non-CS patients. Simvastatin should be administered in a reduced dosage to CS patients.

Assessment of a selective inhibitor of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (L-653,180) as therapy for experimental recurrent genital herpes.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-coded thymidine kinase (TK) is important in efficient reactivation of latent infection. These studies were designed to investigate whether treatment of latently infected animals with a TK inhibitor altered the natural history of recurrent HSV disease. 9-([(Z)-2-(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexyl]methyl) guanine (L-653,180) is a potent and selective nonsubstrate inhibitor of HSV TK which can suppress or delay reactivation of HSV-1 from latently infected cells in vitro without affecting viral replication. In an initial study, six female Hartley guinea pigs were treated with L-653,180 in their diet (25 mg/30 g of food) and water (300 mg/liter) for 7 days. Blood, urine, kidney, liver, spinal cord, and cerebral cortex specimens were collected. L-653,180 was detected in all specimens at concentrations which, although low, were higher than the in vitro 50% inhibitory concentration of the drug against HSV TK. In the second study, 20 female Hartley guinea pigs were randomized into two groups following recovery from primary genital HSV-2 infection. One group received L-653,180 in diet and water for 4 weeks beginning 21 days postinoculation. Animals were examined daily for recurrent lesions for 10 weeks. Treated animals experienced fewer recurrences during the treatment period but the results were not significantly different from results with controls. During the first 2-week posttreatment period, L-653,180-treated animals had significantly fewer recurrences than control animals (P = 0.02). Over the entire 10-week observation period, treated animals experienced fewer recurrences (P = 0.06). These results suggest that inhibitors of viral TK may be useful in limiting reactivation of latent virus and thus recurrent infections. In these experiments, the amount of drug that could be administered to the animals was limited by its poor solubility. Further studies with more potent and soluble inhibitors of HSV TK appear to be warranted.

Intestinal and hepatic cholesterogenesis in hypercholesterolemic dyslipidemia of experimental diabetes in dogs.

We previously reported that dog diabetes results in hypercholesterolemia and the accumulation of a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass, HDL1. Hypercholesterolemic diabetic rodents exhibit hyperphagia, intestinal hypertrophy, and increased intestinal cholesterol synthesis and absorption; intestinal 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) CoA reductase activity is increased, whereas hepatic activity is unchanged or reduced. To determine whether similar mechanisms operate in the hypercholesterolemic diabetic dog, we measured hepatic and intestinal cholesterologenesis. Streptozocin-alloxan-induced diabetic dogs allowed access to food ad libitum were hyperphagic and hypercholesterolemic (10.1 vs. 4.47 mM) but normotriglyceridemic. Plasma HDL1 concentrations were markedly increased. Differences in renal and hepatic function were not statistically significant, except serum alkaline phosphatase, which was elevated 4-fold (P = 0.0003). Urinary mevalonate, an index of whole-body cholesterol synthesis, was increased 6-fold. Intestinal and hepatic weights were both increased, and direct measurements showed crypt and villus thickening. The activity of HMG CoA reductase per gram organ weight was increased 1.7-fold in liver and 2.1-fold in intestine. Calculated whole-organ activity in intestine was nearly twice that in liver. These observations provide strong evidence that intestinal cholesterogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia in dog diabetes and support the conclusion that increased cholesterol synthesis plays a role in the hypercholesterolemia of diabetes.

Lowering of plasma cholesterol levels in animals by lovastatin and simvastatin.

Lovastatin and simvastatin are potent competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Key inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in cultured HepG23 cells, rat hepatocytes and in rats. The primary target organ of cholesterol synthesis inhibition by lovastatin and simvastatin is the liver. Lovastating and simvastatin lower levels of plasma cholesterol in rats, dogs and rabbits by inhibition the endogenous cholesterol synthesis and induction of LDL receptor in the liver.

Suppression of herpes simplex virus type 1 reactivation from latency by (+-)-9-([(Z)-2-(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexyl]methyl) guanine (L-653,180) in vitro.

Latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection was induced in human embryonic lung cells in vitro by using a combination of viral replication inhibitors and elevated temperature. Under reactivating conditions (superinfection by human cytomegalovirus or temperature manipulation), a nonantiviral thymidine kinase inhibitor (L-653,180) was found to suppress or delay reactivation of HSV-1 from latently infected human embryonic lung cells. L-653,180 alone or in combination with interferon was ineffective as a primary or acute viral replication inhibitor and was unable to induce latent HSV-1 infection in cell culture. These data suggest that initial or acute virus replication and replication resulting from reactivation from latency are separate events.

Lovastatin versus bezafibrate: efficacy, tolerability, and effect on urinary mevalonate.

Lovastatin and benzafibrate have proved effective in lowering low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and elevating high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. We compared their tolerability, safety, and effects on lipoproteins and urinary mevalonate excretion in a short-term study. Forty patients with primary hypercholesterolemia were enrolled in a single-blind randomized study with a diet/placebo period of 8 weeks and a treatment period of 12 weeks. Twenty patients received lovastatin (final average dose 70.5 mg/day), and 20 patients received bezafibrate 400 mg/day. LDL cholesterol was lowered by 35% (from 323 to 208 mg/dl) with lovastatin and by 8% (from 289 to 264 mg/dl) with benzafibrate. HDL cholesterol increased by 21 and 20% with lovastatin and benzafibrate, respectively. Twenty-four-hour urinary mevalonic acid output decreased by 37% during treatment with lovastatin and by 2% during treatment with bezafibrate. Thus, the lowering of cholesterol by lovastatin, but not by bezafibrate, can be attributed to inhibition of HMG CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A) reductase. Both lovastatin and bezafibrate are well tolerated.

Cloning, analysis, and bacterial expression of human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase and its regulation in Hep G2 cells.

A partial length cDNA encoding farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase (hpt807) has been isolated from a human fetal liver cDNA library in lambda gt11. DNA sequence analysis reveals hpt807 is 1115 bp in length and contains an open reading frame coding for 346 amino acids before reaching a stop codon, a polyadenylation addition sequence, and the first 14 residues of a poly(A+) tail. Considerable nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence homology is observed between hpt807 and previously isolated rat liver cDNAs for farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase. Comparison with rat cDNAs suggests that hpt807 is about 20 bp short of encoding the initiator methionine of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase. The human cDNA was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector and Escherichia coli strain DH5 alpha F'IQ was transformed. Clones were isolated that express an active fusion protein which can be readily observed on protein gels and specifically stained on immunoblots with an antibody raised against purified chicken farnesyl pyrophosphate phosphate synthetase. These data confirm the identity of hpt807 as encoding farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase. Slot blot analyses of RNA isolated from Hep G2 cells show that the expression of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase mRNA is regulated. Lovastatin increases mRNA levels for farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase 2.5-fold while mevalonic acid, low-density lipoprotein, and 25-hydroxycholesterol decrease mRNA levels to 40-50% of control values.

Tissue selectivity of the cholesterol-lowering agents lovastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin in rats in vivo.

Tissue selectivity of lovastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin was determined in male rats. Peak levels of active drug were found in all tissues examined between 0.5 and 2 hours after oral administration. The area under the curve describing 24 hour exposure of the tissues to drug indicated that the drugs were preferentially concentrated in the liver. However, the concentration of pravastatin was approximately 50% that of either lovastatin or simvastatin in the liver and 3-6 times higher in peripheral tissues. These studies demonstrate that the hydrophobic prodrugs, lovastatin and simvastatin show greater selectivity than the hydrophilic agent pravastatin towards the liver which is the target organ for inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase.

Synthesis and antiherpetic activity of (+/-)-9-[[(Z)-2-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]guanine and related compounds.

A series of analogues of acyclovir and ganciclovir were prepared in which conformational constraints were imposed by incorporation of a cyclopropane ring or unsaturation into the side chain. In addition, several related base-modified compounds were synthesized. These acyclonucleosides were evaluated for enzymatic phosphorylation and DNA polymerase inhibition in a staggered assay and for inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in vitro. Certain of the guanine or 8-azaguanine derivatives were good substrates for the viral thymidine kinase and were further converted to triphosphate, but none was a potent inhibitor of the viral DNA polymerase. Nevertheless, one member of this group, (+/-)-9-[[(Z)-2-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]guanine (3a), displayed significant antiherpetic activity in vitro, superior to that of the corresponding cis olefin 4a. Another group, typified by (+/-)-9-[[(E)-2-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopropyl]methyl]adenine (17b), possessed modest antiviral activity despite an apparent inability to be enzymatically phosphorylated. The relationship of side-chain conformation and flexibility to biological activity in this series is discussed.

Inhibition of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase by acyclic nucleosides and nucleotides.

In an effort to develop more potent inhibitors of human purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) as immunosuppressive and cancer chemotherapeutic agents, the affinity of the erythrocytic enzyme for 30 acyclic nucleosides, nucleotides and related compounds was determined. Among the acyclonucleosides, 2'-nordeoxyguanosine [2'NDG, 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine] had a 3-fold greater affinity than acyclovir, and 8-amino-2'NDG was the best inhibitor with Ki = 2.6 X 10(-7) M. The ether moiety of the acyclovir and 2'NDG side-chains was not important for binding. Phosphorylated 2'NDG analogs appeared to act as multisubstrate analogs with optimal binding at low (1 mM) phosphate concentration. The 2'NDG mono- and triphosphates had higher affinities than those reported for the phosphorylated acyclovir derivatives but the diphosphate had a similar Ki value of 9 X 10(-9) M. Poor affinity, independent of phosphate concentration, was found for 9-(2-phosphonoethyl)guanine. The 3'-phosphate derivative of 8-(3-hydroxypropyl)-9-methylguanine inhibited with a Ki = 2 X 10(-5) M in 1 mM phosphate. The chemical syntheses of new analogs are described.

Stereochemical considerations in the enzymatic phosphorylation and antiviral activity of acyclonucleosides. I. Phosphorylation of 2'-nor-2'-deoxyguanosine.

The antiviral compound 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine (2'-nor-2'-deoxyguanosine, 2'-NDG) is phosphorylated by the HSV-1-induced thymidine kinase to the monophosphate (2'-NDG-MP) and this is further phosphorylated by cellular kinases to the triphosphate (2'-NDG-TP) which is a potent inhibitor of DNA polymerases. Since phosphorylation of 2'-NDG creates a chiral center in the molecule, it was of interest to examine whether both monophosphate enantiomers were produced by the viral thymidine kinase, whether they both could be further phosphorylated by cellular kinases and, if so, whether the respective triphosphates were equally inhibitory to the DNA polymerases. The time course of the phosphorylation by GMP kinase of a chemically synthesized, racemic 2'-NDG-MP was compared to that of a 2'-NDG-MP preparation obtained by enzymatic phosphorylation of 2'-NDG with HSV-1 thymidine kinase. The results indicated that the two enantiomeric monophosphates were phosphorylated by GMP kinase with different rates and that phosphorylation of 2'-NDG by HSV-1 thymidine kinase gave only one of the isomers, whose structure was determined to be S. Both enantiomeric diphosphates were further phosphorylated to the respective triphosphates and it was shown that, in contrast to the triphosphate obtained from the 2'-NDG-MP prepared by viral thymidine kinase which was a potent inhibitor of HSV-1 DNA polymerase, the triphosphate obtained from the slow-reacting R isomer had little or no inhibitory activity against this enzyme.

Efficacy of 2'-nor-cyclicGMP in treatment of experimental herpes virus infections.

9-[(2-Hydroxy-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-5-yl)oxymethyl]guanine P-oxide (2'-nor-cGMP), the cyclic phosphate of 2'-nor-deoxyguanosine (2'-NDG) was synthesized by phosphorylation of 2'-NDG and evaluated for antiherpetic activity in cell cultures and in animal protection studies. 2'-nor-cGMP was effective in cell culture against both thymidine kinase deficient and wild-type herpes simplex virus type 1 strains and also against herpes simplex virus type 2. The anti-herpes activity of 2'-nor-cGMP against thymidine kinase deficient HSV-1 was confirmed by animal protection studies. Also, in comparative cell culture protection studies, the ED50 (microM) of 2'-nor-cGMP was approximately 10-fold lower than that of 2'-NDG against three strains of varicella zoster virus. In addition, 2'-nor-cGMP was effective orally in preventing HSV-1 orofacial infection and HSV-2 genital infection of mice. Topical therapeutic applications of 2'-nor-cGMP prevented orofacial HSV-1 lesion development in mice and development of HSV-2 genital lesions in guinea pigs. Subcutaneous application of 2'-nor-cGMP to intracerebral HSV-1 challenged weanling mice significantly prolonged survival. These studies indicate that 2'-nor-cGMP is not dependent on viral thymidine kinase for its antiviral activity and is highly effective in preventing experimental HSV infections.

Comparison of the modes of antiviral action of 2'-nor-deoxyguanosine and its cyclic phosphate, 2'-nor-cyclic GMP.

The metabolisms of 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine (2'NDG) and its cyclic phosphate, 9-[(2-hydroxy-1,3,2-dioxophosphorinan-5-yl) oxymethyl]guanine P-oxide (2'-nor-cGMP), were compared in cultures of primary rabbit kidney cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). 2'-Nor-cGMP was taken up by the cells essentially intact, after which it was opened to the acyclic monophosphate and phosphorylated further, ultimately to the triphosphate. Formation of the triphosphate was independent of HSV thymidine kinase expression, unlike what is observed with 2'NDG. In addition, there was a direct correlation between the antiviral activity of 2'NDG and the level of triphosphate formed in HSV-1-infected cells, whereas such a correlation was absent with 2'-nor-cGMP. In vivo experiments indicated that only a small percentage of free 2'NDG was formed in the bloodstream of mice after oral administration of 2'-nor-cGMP. Incubation of 2'-nor-cGMP with crude extracts of HSV-1-infected or uninfected HeLa cells resulted in the direct production of 2'NDG triphosphate. The possibility that the triphosphate of 2'NDG produced from 2'-nor-cGMP was the enantiomer of the triphosphate made from 2'NDG by viral and cellular kinases was investigated and disproved. Taken together, these data indicate that (i) 2'-nor-cGMP does not act simply as a prodrug of 2'NDG, (ii) 2'-nor-cGMP does not require viral thymidine kinase for its activity, and (iii) 2'-nor-cGMP may have an additional, triphosphate-independent mode of action.

Enzymatic phosphorylation of the antiherpetic agent 9-[(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxy)methyl]guanine.

The antiherpetic agent 9-[(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxy)methyl]guanine (iNDG) is phosphorylated by HSV1 thymidine kinase, and its phosphorylated products inhibit DNA polymerase activity. iNDG exists in two enantiomeric forms, each with a primary and a secondary hydroxyl; thus, a number of possibilities for preferential phosphorylation exist, which were explored in this study. HSV1 thymidine kinase phosphorylates the primary hydroxyl of both the R and the S isomers of iNDG. This was established by comparison with analogues in which either the primary or the secondary hydroxyl was replaced by fluorine or hydrogen and also by a study of the NMR spectrum of the monophosphate. GMP kinase phosphorylates the R and the S monophosphates to the respective diphosphates. Further phosphorylation, however, is much more efficient with the S than with the R isomer. Furthermore, (S)-iNDG triphosphate is a more potent inhibitor of HSV1 DNA polymerase than (R)-iNDG triphosphate. These differences in the biochemical specificities of the two isomers account for the observed higher antiviral potency of (S)-iNDG as compared to that of (R)-iNDG.

Synthesis and antiherpetic activity of (S)-, (R)-, and (+/-)-9-[(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxy)methyl]guanine, linear isomers of 2'-nor-2'-deoxyguanosine.

Racemic 9-[(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxy)methyl]guanine [(+/-)-iNDG], a new analogue of acyclovir (ACV) and a structural analogue of 2'-nor-2'-deoxyguanosine (2'NDG), was synthesized and found to inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2). Subsequently, its optical isomers, (R)- and (S)-iNDG, were prepared from chiral intermediates. The chloromethyl ethers of 1,2-di-O-benzyl-D- and -L-glycerol were made and reacted with tris(trimethylsilyl)guanine to give the 9-alkylated guanines, which were deprotected by catalytic hydrogenolysis. Against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in cell culture, (S)-iNDG was approximately 10- to 25-fold more active than the R enantiomer and had an ED50 comparable to those for ACV and 2'NDG. The inferior activity of (R)-iNDG paralleled the poor inhibition of viral DNA polymerase by its phosphorylation products. In mice infected intraperitoneally or orofacially with HSV-1 or intravaginally with HSV-2, (S)-9-[(2,3-dihydroxy-1-propoxy)methyl]guanine [(S)-iNDG] was less efficacious than 2'NDG but comparable to or more active than ACV.

2'-Nor-cGMP: a seco-cyclic nucleotide with powerful anti-DNA-viral activity.

As part of our study of antiherpetic acyclonucleosides, we synthesized a cyclic GMP analog, 9-[(2-hydroxy-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-5-yl)oxymethyl]guanine P-oxide, sodium salt (2'-nor-cGMP), and discovered its potent and broad spectrum anti-DNA-viral activities. 2'-Nor-cGMP inhibits the replication of many DNA viruses, including herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, vaccinia, SV40, and adenovirus, but does not inhibit RNA viruses. In plaque reduction studies this potent antiviral agent is also approximately 10-fold more potent than 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine (2'NDG) against varicella-zoster virus and inhibits cell transformation by bovine papilloma virus. Unlike 2'NDG, the potent activity of 2'-nor-cGMP against herpes virus is not dependent upon the action of virus-specified thymidine kinase. Intercellular metabolism of 2'-nor-cGMP produced small amounts of 2'NDG triphosphate which were insufficient to account for the antiviral activity observed, implying that this potent anti-DNA-viral agent operates by a mechanism different from that of known acyclonucleosides.

A comparison of the antiviral agents 2'-nor-2'-deoxyguanosine and acyclovir: uptake and phosphorylation in tissue culture and kinetics of in vitro inhibition of viral and cellular DNA polymerases by their respective triphosphates.

A comparative study was conducted between the antiherpetic agents 2'-nor-2'-deoxyguanosine (2'NDG) and acyclovir (ACV) with respect to 1) the relative rates of uptake and phosphorylation to the "active" triphosphate species in tissue culture and 2) the in vitro inhibition of viral and cellular DNA polymerases by their respective triphosphates. The results indicated that a) six hours after HSV1 infection of primary rabbit kidney cells there was seven times more 2'NDG-triphosphate in the cells than ACV triphosphate; b) the relative rate of triphosphate formation in HSV1-infected versus uninfected cells was 4.5 times higher for 2'NDG than for ACV and c) the triphosphate of 2'NDG (2'NDG-TP) was a more selective inhibitor of the viral compared to the cellular DNA alpha-polymerase than the triphosphate of ACV (ACV-TP). The Km/Ki ratios for 2'NDG-TP and ACV-TP (in the competitive inhibition of dGTP) were 3.10 and 1.37, respectively, for the highly purified HSV1 polymerase; and 0.05 and 1.11, respectively, for the partially-purified HeLa alpha-polymerase. Neither triphosphate inhibited the HeLa DNA beta-polymerase to any significant extent. These results are in line with the findings [Ashton et al. (1982), Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 108, 1716-1721] that 2'NDG has superior in vivo antiherpetic activity compared to ACV without apparent toxicity.