Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of a Delivery System for Targeting Anticancer Drugs to the Brain

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ardp.200300760

A 1,4-dihydropyridine ? pyridinium salt type redox system is described as a general and flexible method for site-specific and sustained delivery of drugs to the brain. This concept was used in the present investigation as a model to deliver an alkylating antitumor agent into the brain. A bis-(chloroethyl)amine drug was hooked to 1,4-dihy-dropyridine chemical delivery system (CDS) through an amide linkage. Five new target compounds (23-27) of the 1,4-dihydropyridine CDS type were synthesized through the reduction of five new pyridinium quaternary intermediates (18-22). The synthesized 1,4-dihydropyridines were subjected to various chemical and biological investigations to evaluate their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and to be oxidized biologically into their corresponding quaternary compounds. The in vitro oxidation studies showed that 1-benzyl-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (23) and 1-(4-nitrobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-1, 4-dihydropyridine (27) could be oxidized into their corresponding quaternary compounds 18 and 22, respectively, at an adequate rate, which ensure the release of the carried anticancer drug. The in vivo studies showed that compound 23 was able to cross the BBB at detectable concentrations. On the other hand, the in vitro alkylation activity studies revealed that 1-(4-nitrobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}pyridinium bromide (22) is an alkylating agent with activity comparable to the known drug chlorambucil.

Full text of DOI:10.1002/ardp.200300760

Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Delivery System for Anticancer Drugs to the Brain 445
Magda A. El-Sherbenya,
Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of a
Delivery System for Targeting Anticancer Drugs to
the Brain
Huda S. Al-Salema,
Maha A. Sultana,
Mahasen A. Radwanb,
Hassan A. Faragc,
Hussein I. El-Subbagha
A 1,4-dihydropyridine
pyridinium salt type redox system is described as a general
and flexible method for site-specific and sustained delivery of drugs to the brain.This
concept was used in the present investigation as a model to deliver an alkylating an-
titumor agent into the brain. A bis-(chloroethyl)amine drug was hooked to 1,4-dihy-
dropyridine chemical delivery system (CDS) through an amide linkage.Five new tar-
get compounds (23–27) of the 1,4-dihydropyridine CDS type were synthesized
through the reduction of five new pyridinium quaternary intermediates (18–22).The
synthesized 1,4-dihydropyridines were subjected to various chemical and biological
investigations to evaluate their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and to
be oxidized biologically into their corresponding quaternary compounds.The in vitro
oxidation studies showed that 1-benzyl-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (23) and 1-(4-nitrobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloro-
ethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (27) could be oxidized into their
corresponding quaternary compounds 18 and 22, respectively, at an adequate rate,
which ensure the release of the carried anticancer drug.The in vivo studies showed
that compound 23 was able to cross the BBB at detectable concentrations. On the
other hand, the in vitro alkylation activity studies revealed that 1-(4-nitrobenzyl)-3-
{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}pyridinium bromide (22) is an
alkylating agent with activity comparable to the known drug chlorambucil.
a
Department of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy,
King Saud University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Department of Clinical
Pharmacy,
College of Pharmacy,
King Saud University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
b
c
Department of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy,
Assiut University, Assiut,
Egypt
Keywords: Anticancer drug; Brain delivery system; Alkylating activity
Received: January 6, 2003; Accepted: March 19, 2003 [FP760]
DOI 10.1002/ardp.200300760
[11–16]. The dihydropyridine redox-chemical delivery
systems (CDSs), have successfully been utilized by
Introduction
Optimization of drug delivery into the site of activity by
means of chemical modifications of known drugs or their
analogs has gained increasing interests in the past dec-
ades [1]. The concept of developing methods for site-
specific delivery of biologically active agents is highly de-
sirable to improve the efficacy, decrease the toxicity, and
consequently, improve their therapeutic indices [2, 3].
The delivery of drugs to the brain is often seriously limit-
ed by the blood brain barrier (BBB) [4] which could be a
major impediment for the treatment of CNS diseases.
Many drugs are unable to reach the active sites in the
brain at therapeutic concentrations due to the BBB.Vari-
ous attempts have been made to overcome the limited
access of drugs into the brain and consequently, reduce
the systemic side effects [5–10]. One of these attempts
was the linking of the active drug to a brain-specific carri-
er, which delivers the drug specifically into the brain,
where it is cleaved enzymatically from the carrier
Bodor et al.[17, 18] to deliver different alkylating agents
to the brain.The use of the dihydropyridine system as a
carrier affects the bidirectional transport of the drug spe-
cies into and out of the brain. In vivo enzymatic oxidation
of the dihydropyridine moiety to the ionic pyridinium salt
inside the brain prevents its elimination “locked-in”, while
elimination from the general circulation is accelerated
(Figure 1). The main disadvantage observed with 1-
methyl-1,4-dihydronicotinate carrier was its instability
against air oxidation and the hydration of the C5–C6
double bond.This instability makes the final drug-carrier
complex unstable as well [16].
The main objective of the present study is focused on the
synthesis of the target compounds 23–27, as brain spe-
cific antitumor agents, that incorporate into their struc-
ture a 1-(benzyl or substituted benzyl)-1,4-dihydropyri-
dine moiety to provide brain targeting in a manner similar
to that of the mentioned CDSs (Figure 1). The substitu-
ents on the benzyl moiety of the carrier were selected to
be electron withdrawing to decrease the electron density
on the ring nitrogen of the 1,4-dihydropyridine moiety.
According to the literature [19], the rates of oxidation and
Correspondence: Hussein I. El-Subbagh, Department of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, P. O. Box
2457, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Phone: +966 1 467-7448, Fax: +966 l 467-6383, e-mail:
subbagh@yahoo.com
© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

446 El-Sherbeny et al.
Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Figure 1. Distribution, systemic clearance, and brain “lock-in” pathways of brain-specific CDSs.
hydration of the 1,4-dihydropyridines should be reduced
by the decrease of the electron density on the nuclear
nitrogen atom.
3-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl]pyridinium bromide (4)
was prepared by the direct quaternarization of 3 using
4-nitrobenzyl bromide (42 % yield).The quaternarization
of nicotinic acid (1) or ethyl nicotinate (2) using a variety
of 4-substituted benzyl halides afforded the intermedi-
ates 5–9 (Scheme 1). Compound 4 was then prepared
adopting an alternate route, by reacting the ester 7 with
ethanolamine in boiling toluene with overall yield of
60 %, based on ethyl nicotinate. Conversion of the 2-hy-
droxyethyl function in 4 into the 2-chloroethyl derivative
10 via its reaction with thionyl chloride either neat or in
variety of nonpolar solvents was unsuccessful. 3-[N-(2-
chloroethyl)carbamoyl]pyridine (11), with the cleavage
of the benzyl function, was isolated from the reaction
mixture rather than 10. This quaternary salt cleavage
may be attributed to the instability of 4 in acidic condi-
tions (Scheme 1).
Results and discussion
Chemistry
The synthesis of the target compounds 1-(benzyl or
4-substituted benzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-
ethyl]carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridines (23–27) necessi-
tates the use of more than one route, in order to optimize
the yield and the purity of the prepared intermediates
and final products. The intermediate 3-[N-(2-hydroxy-
ethyl)carbamoyl]pyridine (3) was prepared using three
different routes. Nicotinic acid (1) was reacted with thio-
nyl chloride, then treated with ethanolamine to give 3
(56 % yield).The other two routes involved the reaction of
1 with ethanolamine in the presence of dicyclohexyl-
carbodiimide (DCC) or the direct condensation of ethyl
nicotinate (2) and ethanolamine to afford 3 in 20 % and
35 % yield, respectively (Scheme 1). 1-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-
Compound 11 was synthesized later, using two different
synthetic routes. Nicotinic acid (1) was reacted with 2-
chloroethylamine in presence of dicyclohexylcarbodiim-
ide (DCC) to give 11 (30 % yield), or through the reaction
of 3 with thionyl chloride (25 % yield). Stirring of 11 with
© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Delivery System for Anticancer Drugs to the Brain 447
Scheme 1.
4-bromobenzyl bromide in acetonitrile at room tempera-
ture afforded the corresponding quaternary salt 12. On
the other hand, attempts to synthesize 13 via an alter-
nate route through the condensation of the nicotinic acid
quaternary salt 5 and 2-chloroethylamine in presence of
DCC was unsuccessful due to the insolubility of 5 in the
solvents used. As a trial to reach the final targets, repre-
sented by compound 14, the quaternary salt 12 was re-
acted with bis-(2-chloroethyl)amine in toluene. Com-
pound 12 did not dissolve in organic solvents at room
temperature, and did decompose upon heating. For
these reasons the synthetic route was modified to reach
the final targets through the reduction of the quaternary
5 into the 1,4-dihydropyridine analog 15, with expected
improvement in the solubility properties. Compound 5
was reduced into its corresponding 1,4-dihydropyridine
15 using sodium dithionite in alkaline medium. Com-
pound 15 proved to be extremely unstable in the used re-
action conditions and consequently, its reaction with
2-chloroethylamine to yield 16 was not possible
(Scheme 2).
An alternative synthetic strategy was adopted as de-
scribed, in Scheme 3, to obtain the final targets. 3-[N-(2-
chloroethyl)carbamoyl]pyridine (11) was treated with
bis-(2-chloroethyl)amine and potassium carbonate in re-
fluxing toluene to afford 3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)-
aminoethyl]carbamoyl}pyridine (17). Compound 17 was
© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

448 El-Sherbeny et al.
Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Scheme 2.
© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Delivery System for Anticancer Drugs to the Brain 449
Scheme 3.
then quaternarized using variety of 4-substituted benzyl
halides in acetonitrile to give the quaternary salts
1-(4-substituted benzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)amino-
ethyl]carbamoyl}pyridinium halides (18–22). It is worth
mentioning that the quaternarization process did not
take place on the other nitrogen atoms existing in com-
pound 17, the carbamoyl nitrogen atom is too weak as a
nucleophile, and the tertiary nitrogen of bis(2-chloro-
ethyl)aminoethyl moiety is sterically hindered to be
alkylated. The obtained quaternary salts 18–22 were
then subjected to reduction process using sodium
dithionite in alkaline medium, to give the corresponding
final targets 1-(4-substituted benzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chlo-
roethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridines 23
–27, (Scheme 3).
sponding quaternary compounds. This oxidation pro-
cess is very crucial to predict the ability of the 1,4-dihy-
dropyridines CDSs to release the anticancer drug at the
site of action, i.e. the brain. In this study high perform-
ance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect
and monitor the oxidation of the tested 1,4-dihydropyrid-
ines into their corresponding quaternaries either chemi-
cally or in biological fluids.The mobile phase was chosen
after several trials using various proportions of ace-
tonitrile and water at different pHs. Experimental param-
eters including mobile phase, flow rate, type of column,
and the linearity range were studied in order to deter-
mine the optimal conditions for the assay procedure.The
HPLC analysis showed that the 1,4-dihydropyridines
were separated from blood and brain homogenate at re-
tention time of 5.5–6.0 min, while the quaternaries were
separated at retention time of 5.0–5.4 min.The chroma-
tographic system used allowed a complete base line
separation with good resolution of the peaks.The mean
calibration curve was plotted, the mean best-fit linear re-
gression equation was derived, and used to estimate the
concentrations of the quaternary salts.
Biological investigations
The prepared 1,4-dihydropyridines 23 and 27 were sub-
jected to various chemical and biological investigations
to evaluate the ability of these compounds to cross the
BBB, and to be oxidized biologically into their corre-
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450 El-Sherbeny et al.
Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the 1,4-dihydropyridines by
a free radical mechanism. This oxidation could give an
idea about the different behavior of various derivatives
toward in vivo oxidation into the corresponding quater-
naries which facilitates the release of the carried anti-
cancer drug [20]. A freshly prepared solution of the test-
ed 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives 23 and 27, with spe-
cific concentrations, was mixed with 30 % hydrogen per-
oxide solution. The increased concentrations of the oxi-
dation products (the corresponding quaternary salts 18
and 22) were monitored by HPLC using UV detector at
The in vivo oxidation of the prepared 1,4-dihydropyridine
derivatives in the brain could be predicted by spiking the
test compounds in brain homogenate. Such study could
inform about the rate of their conversion into the corre-
sponding quaternaries and hence the release of the car-
ried drug [20].The data obtained indicated the facile oxi-
dative conversion of the N-benzyl-1,4-dihydropyridine
analog 23 into the corresponding quaternary 18 with
high oxidation rate (Kapp = 14.2 × 10–2 min–1, t = 4.9 min).
½
The N-(4-nitrobenzyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine derivative 27
converted into the corresponding quaternary 22 with oxi-
dation rate fifteen times less than 23, (Kapp = 0.9 × 10–2
λ
max 262 nm. The data obtained indicated the facile oxi-
dative conversion of the N-benzyl-1,4-dihydropyridine
min–1, t = 77.0 min), (Table 1).These results are in con-
½
analog 23 into the corresponding quaternary 18 with
sistency with those obtained from the chemical oxidation
by the use of hydrogen peroxide.
high oxidation rate (Kapp = 29.14 × 10–2 min–1, t
=
½
2.4 min). The N-(4-nitrobenzyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine de-
rivative 27 converted into the corresponding quaternary
salt 22 with oxidation rate almost twofold less than 23,
Compound 23 was selected for in vivo study due to its
relative ease of conversion to the quaternary 18. Com-
pound 23, at a dose of 40 mg/kg, was injected to rats. At
selected time intervals, blood samples and the brains
were collected. The concentrations of the quaternary
salt 18, which were produced in blood after administra-
tion of compound 23, were measured in both blood and
brain homogenate using HPLC assay. The mean con-
centration – time profiles of the quaternary salt 18 in
blood and brain homogenate samples are shown in Fig-
ure 2 andTable 2.The concentration of compound 18 de-
(Kapp = 12.6 × 10–2 min–1, t = 5.5 min), (Table 1).These
½
results indicated that the type of substituent on the ben-
zyl moiety could manipulate the stability of such com-
pounds toward oxidation.The 4-nitro electron withdraw-
ing group of 27 decreases the electron density on the
ring nitrogen of 1,4-dihydropyridine and hence lowers
the rate of oxidation. The rate of oxidation needed to be
neither too fast nor too slow. Fast oxidation process will
convert the drug into the corresponding quaternary salt
in the blood before reaching the target organ, the brain,
while slow oxidation process will allow the crossing of the
CDSs into the brain, but it will delay the release of the
carried drug. Accordingly, the moderate rate of oxidation
will ensure the survival of the 1,4-dihydropyridine spe-
cies in the blood till reaching the brain.
clined rapidly in blood (Kapp = 111.6 × 10–2 min–1, t
=
½
37.2 min), and was not detected after 120 min. In the
meantime, the concentration of 18 increased steadily in
the brain, reaching its maximum 90 min after administra-
tion, followed by a steady decline indicating the sus-
tained release of the anticancer drug.
Table 1. Rates of oxidative conversion of the 1,4-dihydropyridines 23 and 27 into their corresponding quaternary salts
18 and 22.
Compound
R
Hydrogen peroxide
Kapp min–1
Brain homogenate
Kapp min–1
Regres-
sion data
t
(min)
Regres-
sion data
t
(min)
4.9
½
½
× 10–2
× 10–2
n
r
n
r
23
27
H
NO2
5
8
0.99
0.99
29.14 0.07
12.60 0.03
2.4
5.5
7
8
0.98
0.99
14.2 0.2
0.9 0.3
77.0
n = no. of determinations, r = correlation coefficient.
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Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Delivery System for Anticancer Drugs to the Brain 451
Figure 2.The concentration of compound 18 in brain (µg/g) and blood (µg/mL) of rats after administration of compound
23.
Table 2. Mean concentration of the quaternary salt 18 in
brain homogenate (µg/g) and blood (µg/mL) of rats after
administration of compound 23 (40 mg/kg).
The prepared quaternaries 18–22 were evaluated for
their alkylating activity using 4-(4-nitro-benzyl)pyridine
as an analytical reagent [21]. 4-(4-Nitro-benzyl)pyridine
reacts with alkylating agents and gives a purple color up-
on basification.The intensity of the produced color is di-
rectly proportional to the degree of alkylation.This meth-
od differentiates between the reactivities of the tested
compounds by constructing a calibration curve for each
compound under the specified conditions.The alkylating
potency of the 1,4-dihydropyridines were examined in
the form of their oxidized analogs (the quaternaries
18–22), using chlorambucil as positive control. All of the
test compounds proved to be active alkylating agents
(Table 3). The 4-nitro derivative 22 is the most active
Time (min)
Mean concentration SD
Blood Brain homogenate
10
30
60
129.9 21.3
117.2 12.6
59.9 5.1
42.3 5.9
20.4 5.3
0.0
20.3 6.2
19.3 4.2
30.1 8.6
110.3 12.8
100.3 15.5
–
90
110
130
160
0.0
50.3 8.7
member of this series, with alkylating activity (Kapp
=
no. of determinations (n) = 3
Table 3. The alkylating activity of the quaternary salts 18–22.
Compound
R
X
λmax
Temp. Regression data
Kapp min–1 × 10–2
t (min)
½
n
r
18
19
20
21
22
H
F
Cl
Br
NO2
–
Br
Br
Cl
Br
Br
–
546
542
548
545
535
550
55
55
55
55
55
83
7
6
5
6
4
8
0.93
0.95
0.97
0.98
0.97
0.99
3.16 0.116
6.54 0.128
3.28 0.091
5.73 0.231
13.5 0.032
10.19 0.051
21.9
10.6
21.1
12.1
5.1
Chlorambucil
6.8
n = no. of determinations, r = correlation coefficient.
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452 El-Sherbeny et al.
Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
13.5 × 10–2 min–1, t = 5.1 min) comparable to that of
Excess thionyl chloride was removed under reduced pressure,
and the obtained residue was dissolved in dry toluene (20 mL).
The solution was then washed with Na2CO3 solution (25 mL,
20 %), and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. Ethanolamine
(0.6 mL, 0.01 mol) was added and the mixture was heated un-
der reflux for 5 h. Solvent was evaporated under reduced pres-
sure, and the obtained residue was extracted with diethyl ether
(3 × 10 mL). The ethereal extract was dried and evaporated in
vacuo to afford 3 as a yellowish oil (56 %). 1H NMR (CDCl3), δ
3.48–3.56 (m, 2 H, NHCH2-), 3.82–3.94 (m, 2 H, CH2OH),
7.53–7.58 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.17 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-
H), 8.63 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-H), 8.96 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H),
9.59 (brs, 1 H, NH), 10.50 (s, 1 H, OH). Anal. (C8H10N2O2) C, H,
N.
½
chlorambucil, (Kapp = 10.19 × 10–2 min–1, t = 6.8 min).
½
As can be concluded from the obtained results, the in
vitro oxidation studies showed the ability of the tested
1,4-dihydropyridines (23 and 27) to be oxidized into the
corresponding quaternary salts. The rate of oxidation
proved to be manipulated by the type of substituent on
the N-benzyl group of the CDSs.The electron withdraw-
ing 4-nitro group optimized the rate of oxidation to en-
sure the delivery of the drug across BBB into the brain
and the sustained release of the anticancer drug.The in
vivo studies showed that the 1,4-dihydropyridines, rep-
resented by compound 23, could cross the BBB at de-
tectable concentrations.Also, the in vitro alkylation activ-
ity studies showed that compound 22 is an alkylating
agent with activity comparable to the known drug chlor-
ambucil.
Method B
To a stirred solution of nicotinic acid (1, 1.2 g, 0.01 mol) and eth-
anolamine (0.6 mL, 0.01 mol) in pyridine, dicyclohexylcarbodi-
imide (DCC, 2.1 g, 0.01 mol) was added portionwise.The reac-
tion mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h.The sepa-
rated solid was filtered, and the filtrate was evaporated under
reduced pressure.The obtained residue was extracted with di-
ethyl ether (3 × 10 mL). The combined ethereal extract was
dried and evaporated in vacuo to give 3 as yellowish oil (20 %).
Acknowledgements
Method C: A mixture of ethyl nicotinate (2, 1.4 g, 0.01 mol) and
ethanolamine (0.6 mL, 0.01 mol) in dioxane (30 mL) was heat-
ed under reflux for 10 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated
under reduced pressure, and the obtained residue was extract-
ed with diethyl ether (3 × 10 mL).The combined ethereal extract
was dried and evaporated in vacuo to give 3 as yellowish oil
(35 %).
The authors would like to thank King Abdulaziz City for
Science and Technology for the generous grant. The
technical assistance of Mr.Tanvir A.Butt is greatly appre-
ciated.
Experimental
1-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-3-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl]pyridinium
bromide (4).
Melting points were determined on a Mettler FP 80 melting
point apparatus (Mettler, Manchester, UK) and are uncorrect-
ed. Microanalyses were performed on a Perkin-Elmer 240 ele-
mental analyzer (Perkin-Elmer, Shelton, CT, USA) at the Cen-
tral Research Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, King Saud Uni-
versity.All of the new compounds were analyzed for C, H, and N
and agreed with the proposed structures within 0.4 % of the
theoretical values. 1H NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian
XL 500 MHz FT spectrometer (Varian, Palo Alto, CA, USA);
chemical shifts are expressed in δ ppm with reference to TMS.
Thin-layer chromatography was performed on precoated
(0.25-mm) silica gel plates (E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany);
compounds were detected with a 254-nm UV lamp. Silica gel
(60–230 mesh) was employed for routine column chromatogra-
phy separations.KUBOTA 6800 compact high speed refrigerat-
ed centrifuge 20,000 rpm (Heraeus Instruments, Hanau, Ger-
many) was used for the centrifugation of the samples for 10 min
at 4 °C. High performance JASCO liquid chromatograph 600E
equipped with PU-980 pump and connected to PU-750 UV/Vis.
absorbance detector (Waters, Milford, MA, USA);a µBondapak
reverse-phase C18 column (Waters), 10 µM (4.6 mm id
× 250 mm), operated at ambient temperature, with injection
volume of 20 µL, and flow rate of 1.5 mL/min was used for the
detection of the 1,4-dihydropyridines and the corresponding
quaternary compounds in both chemical and biological investi-
gations. The peak area integrations were performed using a
chromatographic data module.
Method A
A mixture of 3 (1.7 g, 0.01 mol) and 4-nitrobenzyl bromide
(2.2 g, 0.01 mol) in acetonitrile (30 mL) was stirred at room
temperature for 24 h. Solvent was removed under reduced
pressure and the obtained residue was triturated with petrole-
um ether 60–80 °C till solidification.The obtained solid was re-
crystallized from EtOH/Hexane to give 4 (42 %): mp 123–5 °C;
1H NMR (DMSO-d6), δ 3.45–3.52 (m, 2 H, NHCH2-), 3.85–3.96
(m, 2 H, CH2OH), 6.78 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 8.20–8.25 (dd, 4 H, J =
7 Hz, ArH), 8.78–8.81 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 9.40 (d, 1 H, J = 7.5
Hz, pyridine-H), 9.98 (d, 1 H, J = 7.5 Hz, pyridine-H), 10.56 (s,
1 H, pyridine-H), 10.72 (brs, 1 H, NH), 11.2 (s, 1 H, OH). Anal.
(C15H16BrN3O4) C, H, N.
Method B
A mixture of 7 (3.7 g, 0.01 mol) and ethanolamine (0.6 mL,
0.01 mol) in toluene (30 mL) was heated under reflux for 10 h.
The reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure,
and the obtained residue was triturated with petroleum ether
60–80 °C till solidification.The obtained solid was recrystallized
from EtOH/hexane to give 4 (60 %).
General Procedure for Preparation of 1-(4-substituted ben-
zyl)pyridinium halide-3-carboxylic acid 5 and 6 or Ethyl 1-(4-
substituted benzyl)pyridinium halide-3-carboxylate 7–9
A mixture of nicotinic acid (1, 1.2 g, 0.01 mol) or ethyl nicotinate
(2, 1.4 g, 0.01 mol) and the appropriate 4-substituted benzyl
halide (0.01 mol) in acetonitrile (25 mL) was stirred at room
temperature for 24 h. Solvent was removed under reduced
pressure and the remaining residue was triturated with petrole-
um ether 60–80 °C to afford 5–9.
3-[N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)carbamoyl]pyridine (3)
Method A
A mixture of nicotinic acid (1, 1.2 g, 0.01 mol) and thionyl chlo-
ride (10 mL) was stirred and heated under reflux (neat) for 1 h.
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Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Delivery System for Anticancer Drugs to the Brain 453
Method B
1-Benzyl-pyridinium bromide-3-carboxylic acid (5)
The crude product was recrystallized from AcOH/EtOH to give
A mixture of 3 (1.7 g, 0.01 mol) and thionyl chloride (10 mL) was
heated under reflux for 2 h. Excess thionyl chloride was re-
moved under reduced pressure, and the obtained residue was
triturated with petroleum ether 60–80 °C filtered, dried and re-
crystallized from EtOH/Hexane (25 %).
1
5 (70 %): mp 171–3 °C; H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 5.89 (s, 2 H,
PhCH2-), 7.48–7.59 (m, 5 H, J = 15 Hz, ArH), 8.20–8.25 (m, 1 H,
pyridine-H), 8.83 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.25 (d, 1 H, J =
7 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.50 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H), 11.25 (s, 1 H,
COOH). Anal. (C13H12BrNO2) C, H, N.
1-(4-Bromobenzyl)-3-[N-(2-chloroethyl)carbamoyl]pyridinium
bromide (12)
1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)pyridinium chloride-3-carboxylic acid (6)
The crude product was recrystallized from ACOH/EtOH to give
6 (40 %): mp 213–5 °C; 1H NMR(DMSO-d6) δ 5.94 ((s, 2 H,
PhCH2-), 7.51–7.64 (dd, 4 H, J = 15 Hz, ArH), 8.15–8.28 (m,
1 H, pyridine-H), 8.84 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.22 (d, 1 H,
J = 7 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.55 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H), 11.52 (s, 1 H,
COOH). Anal. (C13H11Cl2NO2) C, H, N.
4-Bromobenzyl bromide (2.5 g, 0.01 mol) was added to a
stirred solution of 11 (1.9 g, 0.01 mol) in acetonitrile (20 mL).
The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h.
Excess solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and
the obtained residue was triturated with petroleum ether
60–80 °C. The solid product was then recrystallized from
MeOH/Hexane to give 12 (20 %): mp 162–5 °C, 1H NMR
(DMSO-d6), δ 3.55–3.65 (q, 2 H, J = 6.5 Hz, NHCH2-), 3.78 (t,
2 H, J = 6 Hz, -CH2Cl), 5.98 (s, 2 H, PhCH2), 7.56–7.70 (dd, 4 H,
J = 9 Hz, ArH), 8.30–8.33 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.98 (d, 1 H, J = 7
Hz, pyridine-H), 9.40 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.76 (s, 1 H,
pyridine-H), 10.23 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C15H15ClBr2N2O) C, H,
N.
Ethyl 1-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridinium bromide-3-carboxylate (7)
The crude product was recrystallized from AcOH to give 7
(82 %): mp 107–9 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 1.49 (t, 3 H, J = 7
Hz, CH3CH2-), 4.37–4.57 (q, 2 H, J = 7 Hz, CH3CH2-), 6.79 (s,
2 H, PhCH2-), 8.21–8.26 (dd, 4 H, J = 7 Hz, ArH), 8.78–8.81 (m,
1 H, pyridine-H), 9.39 (d, 1 H, J = 8 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.98 (d, 1 H,
J = 8 Hz, pyridine-H), 10.24 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H). Anal.
(C15H15BrN2O4) C, H, N.
1-Benzyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylic acid (15)
A suspension of 1-benzylpyridinium bromide-3-carboxylic acid
(5, 2.9 g, 0.01 mol), in deaereated water (200 mL) and CH2Cl2
(100 mL) was cooled to 0 °C and stirred, under nitrogen stream.
Na2CO3 (6.4 g, 0.06 mol) was added portionwise over a period
of 10 min. Na2S2O4 (7.0 g, 0.04 mol) was then added portion-
wise over a period of 15 min. Stirring was continued, under ni-
trogen stream at 0 °C, for another 1 h. The organic layer was
separated, washed with cold deaereated water, dried, and
evaporated in vacuo to afford 15 as a yellowish oil (20 %). 1H
NMR (CDCl3) δ 2.59–2.68 (m, 2 H, C4-H), 4.73–4.79 (m, 1 H,
C5-H), 5.59–5.83 (m, 3 H, PhCH2- & C6-H), 7.21 (s, 1 H, C2-H),
7.34–7.52 (m, 5 H, ArH), 10.32 (s, 1 H, COOH). Anal.
(C13H13NO2) C, H, N.
Ethyl 1-(4-bromobenzyl)pyridinium bromide-3-carboxylate (8)
The crude product was recrystallized from AcOH to give 8
(45 %):mp 93–5 °C;1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 1.37 (t, 3 H, J = 7 Hz,
CH3CH2), 4.35–4.47 (q, 2 H, J = 7 Hz, CH3CH2), 5.98 (s, 2 H,
PhCH2-), 7.57–7.69 (dd, 4 H, J = 9 Hz, ArH), 8.29–8.32 (m, 1 H,
pyridine-H), 9.00 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.36 (d, 1 H, J =
7
Hz, pyridine-H), 9.87 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H). Anal.
(C15H15Br2NO2) C, H, N.
Ethyl 1-(4-flourobenzyl)pyridinium bromide-3-carboxylate (9)
The crude product was chromatographed on C18 silica (20 %
MeOH, H2O) to give 9 as yellowish brown gum (59 %): 1H NMR
(DMSO-d6) δ 1.37 (t, 3 H, J = 7 Hz, CH3CH2-), 4.35–4.47 (q, 2 H,
J = 7 Hz, CH3CH2-), 6.07 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 7.26–7.32 (m, 2 H,
ArH), 7.72–7.75 (m, 2 H, ArH), 8.31–8.35 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H),
9.01 (d, 1 H, J = 8 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.49 (d, 1 H, J = 8 Hz, pyrid-
ine-H), 9.83 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H). Anal. (C15H15FBrNO2) C, H, N.
3-{N-[2-Bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}pyridine (17)
A solution of bis-(2-chloroethyl)amine HCl (2.2 g, 0.013 mol) in
aqueous NaOH (30 %, 10 mL) was extracted with toluene
(20 mL).The organic layer was dried using anhydrous Na2SO4,
filtered, and added to a solution of 11 (1.9 g, 0.01 mol) and
K2CO3 (2.8 g, 0.02 mol) in dry toluene (20 mL). The reaction
mixture was heated under reflux for 18 h. Solvents were then
evaporated in vacuo and the obtained residue was dissolved in
water (30 mL), extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 × 30 mL). The com-
bined extract was evaporated in vacuo to give 17 as a yellowish
oil (32 %). 1H NMR (CDCl3), δ 3.62–3.99 (m, 8 H, -NCH2-), 4.09
(t, 2 H, J = 6 Hz, -CH2Cl), 4.55 (t, 2 H, J = 6 Hz, -CH2Cl), 7.53–
7.70 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.13–8.35 (m, 2 H, pyridine-H),
9.83–9.98 (m, 2 H, pyridine-H & NH). Anal. (C12H17Cl2N3O) C,
H, N.
3-[N-(2-Chloroethyl)carbamoyl]pyridine (11)
Method A
2-Chloroethylamine HCl (2.32 g, 0.02 mol) was dissolved in
water (25 mL) and basified using 30 % NaOH solution (10 mL).
The aqueous solution was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 × 20 mL).
The organic layer was separated, dried, and evaporated to give
the free base of 2-chloroethylamine which dissolved in pyridine
(30 mL).Nicotinic acid (1, 1.2 g, 0.01 mol) was added to the pyr-
idine solution followed by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC,
2.1 g, 0.01 mol) portionwise. The reaction mixture was stirred
at room temperature for 20 h.The precipitated product was then
filtered and dissolved in CH2Cl2.The organic layer was washed
with water, dried, and evaporated under reduced pressure.The
obtained residue was then recrystallized from EtOH/Hexane to
give 11 (30 %):mp 228–30 °C, 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.59–3.63
(q, 2 H, J = 6 Hz, NHCH2-), 3.76 (t, 2 H, J = 6 Hz, -CH2Cl), 7.52–
7.54 (m, 1H, pyridine-H), 8.18–8.21 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.72–
8.73 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.96 (brs, 1 H, NH), 9.02 (s, 1 H, pyri-
dine-H). Anal. (C8H9ClN2O) C, H, N.
General Procedure for Preparation of 1-(benzyl or 4-substituted
benzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-
pyridinium halides (18–22)
The appropriate benzyl halide (0.015 mol) was added to a
stirred solution of 3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}pyridine (17, 2.9 g, 0.01 mol) in acetonitrile (30 mL).
The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h.
Solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the
crude residues of 18–22.
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454 El-Sherbeny et al.
Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
1-Benzyl-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-
pyridinium bromide (18)
1-Benzyl-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-
1,4-dihydropyridine (23)
The crude product was recrystallized from EtOH/Hexane to
give 18 (45 %): mp 48–9 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 2.68–2.93
(m, 8 H, -CH2N-), 4.15 (t, 2 H, J = 8 Hz, -CH2Cl), 4.61 (t, 2 H, J =
8 Hz, -CH2Cl), 6.42 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 7.43–7.52 (m, 5 H, ArH),
7.83–7.92 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.34 (d, 1 H, J = 6 Hz, pyridine-
H), 8.88 (d, 1 H, J = 6 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.53 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H),
10.53 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C19H24Cl2BrN3O) C, H, N.
The obtained crude product was chromatographed on silica gel
(5 % EtOAc, CHCl3) to give 23 as a sticky gum (60 %); 1H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 2.64–2.72 (m, 2 H, C4-H), 3.62–3.86 (m, 8 H,
-NCH2-), 4.18–4.33 (m, 4 H, -CH2Cl), 4.71–4.79 (m, 1 H, C5-H),
5.57–5.74 (m, 3 H, C6-H & PHCH2-), 6.78 (s, 1 H, C2-H), 7.14
(m, 5 H, ArH), 10.27 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C19H25Cl2N3O) C, H,
N.
1-(4-Flourobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamolyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (24)
1-(4-Flourobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}pyridinium bromide (19)
The obtained crude product was chromatographed on silica gel
(5 % EtOAc, CHCl3) to give 24 as a sticky gum (75 %); 1H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 2.50–2.54 (m, 2 H, C4-H), 3.38–3.67 (m, 8 H,
-NCH2-), 4.04–4.29 (m, 4 H, -CH2Cl), 4.53–4.58 (m, 1 H, C5-H),
5.52–5.73 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, C6-H), 5.93 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 6.98–
7.67 (m, 5 H, ArH & C2-H), 9.65 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal.
(C19H24FCl2N3O) C, H, N.
The crude product was recrystallized from MeOH/Hexane to
give 19 (65 %): mp 78–9 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.62–3.77
(m, 8 H, -CH2N-), 4.09 (t, 2 H, J = 9.5, -CH2Cl), 4.56 (t, 2 H, J =
9.5 Hz, -CH2Cl), 5.96 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 7.28–7.69 (m, 4 H, ArH),
8.26–8.29 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.92 (d, 1 H, J = 8 Hz, pyridine-
H), 9.31 (d, 1 H, J = 6 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.68 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H),
10.08 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C19H23FCl2BrN3O) C, H, N.
1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (25)
1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}pyridinium chloride (20)
The obtained crude product was chromatographed on silica gel
(5 % EtOAc, CHCl3) to give 25 as a sticky gum (80 %); 1H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 2.93–3.01 (m, 2 H, C4-H), 3.49–3.65 (m, 8 H,
-NCH2-), 3.75–4.23 (m, 4 H, -CH2Cl), 4.53–4.62 (m, 1 H, C5-H),
4.75 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 5.73–5.85 (m, 1 H, C6-H), 6.83–7.35 (m,
5 H, ArH & C2-H), 9.49 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C19H24Cl3N3O) C,
H, N.
The crude product was recrystallized from EtOH/Hexane to
give 20 (50 %): mp 65–7 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.30–3.65
(m, 8 H, -CH2N-), 4.12 (t, 2 H, J = 10 Hz, -CH2Cl), 4.62 (t, 2 H, J =
10 Hz, -CH2Cl), 5.78 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 7.25–7.70 (m, 4 H, ArH),
8.24–8.26 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.94 (d, 1 H, J = 7 Hz, pyridine-
H), 9.25 (d, 1 H, J = 6 Hz, pyridine-H), 9.72 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H),
10.52 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C19H23Cl4N3O) C, H, N.
1-(4-Bromobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (26)
1-(4-Bromobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}pyridinium bromide (21)
The obtained crude product was chromatographed on silica gel
(5 % EtOAc, CHCl3) to give 26 as a sticky gum (75 %); 1H NMR
(CDCl3) 2.48–2.73 (m, 2 H, C4-H), 3.41–3.59 (m, 8 H, -NCH2-),
3.74–3.90 (t, 2 H, J = 8 Hz, -CH2Cl), 4.25–4.28 (t, 2 H, J = 8 Hz,
-CH2Cl), 4.72–4.83 (m, 1 H, C5-H), 5.88–5.91 (m, 3 H, PhCH2-
& C6-H), 7.23–7.54 (m, 5 H, ArH & C2-H), 10.33 (brs, 1 H, NH).
Anal. (C19H24Cl2BrN3O) C, H, N.
The crude product was recrystallized from EtOH/Hexane to
give 21 (52 %): mp 59–60 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.34–3.68
(m, 8 H, -NCH2-), 4.12 (t, 2 H, J = 8 H, -CH2Cl), 4.57 (t, 2 H, J =
8 H, -CH2Cl), 5.85 (s, 2 H, PhCH2-), 7.45–7.76 (dd, 4 H, J = 9
Hz, ArH), 8.21 (m, 1 H, pyridine-H), 8.94–9.16 (m, 2 H, pyridine-
H), 9.48 (s, 1 H, pyridine-H), 10.34 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal.
(C19H23Cl2Br2N3O) C, H, N.
1-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carb-
amoyl}-1,4-dihydropyridine (27)
The obtained crude product was chromatographed on silica gel
(5 % EtOAc, CHCl3) to give 27 as a sticky gum (64 %); 1H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 2.89–3.01 (m, 2 H, C4-H), 3.47–3.76 (m, 8 H,
-NCH2-), 4.15–4.39 (m, 4 H, -CH2Cl), 4.62–4.72 (m, 1 H, C5-H),
4.93–5.15 (m, 3 H, PhCH2- & C6-H), 7.23–7.68 (m, 5 H, ArH &
C2-H), 9.63 (brs, 1 H, NH). Anal. (C19H24Cl2N4O3) C, H, N.
1-(4-Nitrobenzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]-
carbamoyl}pyridinium bromide (22)
The crude product was recrystallized from MeOH/Hexane to
give 22 (72 %): mp 91–3 °C; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 3.35–3.56
(m, 8 H, -NCH2-), 4.19–4.61 (m, 4H, -CH2Cl), 6.05 (s, 2 H,
PhCH2-), 7.72–7.75 (m, 5 H, ArH & pyridine-H), 8.26–8.34 (m,
2 H, pyridine-H), 9.19–9.35 (m, 2 H, pyridine-H & NH). Anal.
(C19H23Cl2BrN4O3) C, H, N.
Chemical oxidation of the 1,4-dihydropyridine analogs 23 and
27 by hydrogen peroxide
The 1,4-dihydropyridine analogs 23 and 27 (0.1 mg) were add-
ed to 30 % hydrogen peroxide (2 mL). The mixture was stirred
and samples were monitored by HPLC for the concentration of
the corresponding quaternaries 18 and 22. Acetonitrile (10 %)
in 0.2 % acetic acid solution was used as the mobile phase at a
flow rate of 1.5 mL/min and UV detector was used to follow the
formation of the products at λmax 262 nm.
General Procedure for Preparation of 1-(benzyl or 4-substitut-
ed benzyl)-3-{N-[2-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}-
1,4-dihydropyridines (23–27)
A suspension of 1-(benzyl or 4-substituted benzyl)-3-{N-[2-
bis(2-chloroethyl)aminoethyl]carbamoyl}pyridinium halides
(18–22, 0.01 mol), in deaereated water (200 mL) and CH2Cl2
(100 mL) was cooled to 0 °C and stirred under nitrogen stream.
Na2CO3 (6.4 g, 0.06 mol) was added portionwise over a period
of 15 min. Na2S2O4 (7.0 g, 0.04 mol) was then added portion-
wise over a period of 15 min. Stirring was continued, under ni-
trogen stream at 0 °C, for another 1 h. The organic layer was
separated, washed with cold deaereated water, dried and
evaporated in vacuo to give the crude 23–27.
Kinetics of oxidation of the 1,4-dihydropyridine analogs 23 and
27 in brain homogenate
In an ice bath, the rat brain tissue (about 1.4 g) was homoge-
nized in 20 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 7.4).Aliquot of the brain
homogenate (4 mL) was kept in 37 °C water bath for 5 min.The
tested 1,4-dihydropyridine, 0.2 mL of a 6.25 × 10–4 mol in
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Arch. Pharm. Pharm. Med. Chem. 2003, 336, 445–455
Delivery System for Anticancer Drugs to the Brain 455
DMSO, was added to the brain homogenate.At each time inter-
val, 0.5 mL of the brain homogenate-drug mixture was mixed
with 0.5 mL acetonitrile and kept in the freezer (4 °C), until as-
sayed.After the collection of all samples, they were centrifuged
and supernatants were analyzed by HPLC for their quaternary
salts contents, using the same mobile phase and conditions
mentioned under hydrogen peroxide chemical oxidation.
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(Ed.: S. Rapoport), Raven Press. NewYork, 1976, pp. 43–
86.
In vivo study of the 1,4-dihydropyridine analog 23
Eighteen male Wistar rats (150 50 g) were used in this study.
Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups for different sampling
time, and each group was housed in one cage. The animals
were anesthetized with urethane solution (0.7 mL, 25 % in
H2O).After 10 min, each animal was injected with compound 23
solution in a mixture of DMSO:phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 2:1 at
concentration of 25 mg/mL through the tail vein at a dose of
40 mg/kg.At appropriate time interval (10, 30, 60, 90, 110, 130
and 160 min), the animal was decapitated and 1 mL blood was
collected from the trunk and stored in heparinized tube. Mean-
while, brain was removed, weighed, and covered with alumi-
num foil.The blood samples and the brains were kept in a deep
freezer (–86 °C) until assayed. Each brain was homogenized
with 1 mL of water, 4 mL of acetonitrile was added and the mix-
ture was homogenized again. Blood samples were mixed with
4 mL of acetonitrile, for protein precipitation, and vortexed at
high speed for 1 min. Both brain homogenate and blood sam-
ples were centrifuged at 20,000 rpm for 10 min, and the super-
natants were evaporated under nitrogen.The residue were re-
constituted with the mobile phase and analyzed using the same
HPLC conditions mentioned above, under hydrogen peroxide
chemical oxidation. The mean calibration curve of the quater-
nary salt was plotted, the mean best-fit linear regression equa-
tion was derived and used to estimate the concentration of the
quaternary salt at different time intervals.
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compounds 18–22
dor, E. Pop, J. Med. Chem., 1994, 37, 4237–4244.
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To a solution of the quaternary alkylating agents 18–22 (10 mg)
in methyl ethyl ketone (5 mL), 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine reagent
(5 mL) and water (1 mL) were added.The mixture was then ei-
ther heated on a boiling water bath or kept at 55 °C.0.2 mL were
pipetted from the reaction mixture at different time intervals; 5,
10, 15, 25, 30 and 35 min.The reaction mixture was cooled for
1 min in an ice bath, triethylamine reagent (3 mL) was added
and the solution was mixed [21]. The intensity of the purple
color immediately developed was measured at the appropriate
λmax within 2 min against a reagent blank.
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© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim