Fernand Schneider

Macrocyclic spermidine and spermine alkaloids

In this short review of spermine and spermidine plant alkaloids, which are characterized by the presence of a macrocyclic Iactam ring, special consideration has been given to the alkaloids from Oncinotis species and to the spermine alkaloid, chaenorrhine.

Substituted spiro[chroman-4,5′-thiazolidine]-2′,4′-diones as aldose reductase inhibitors

Abstract Aldose reductase (EC 1.1.1.21) is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Inhibitors of this enzyme could be useful for the treatment of diabetic cataracts and neuropathies. A series of spiro[chroman-4,5′-thiazolidine]-2′,4′-diones, substituted at the aromatic ring, has been synthesized as potential inhibitors of this enzyme. Their activity was determined with in vitro and in vivo tests. The compounds are very potent inhibitors of aldose reductase. Activity in galactosemic rats was found, especially for derivatives bearing alkyl-carbamate substituents. Drug levels in plasma, lens and nerve were determined with radioactively labelled compounds and by high performance liquid chromatography. The latter method was also used to determine in vivo degradation of the carbamates.