Frank S. Guziec

The selenium analog of methimazole : measurement of its inhibitory effect on type I 5'-deiodinase and of its antithyroid activity

Methimazole (MMI), unlike propylthiouracil (PTU) is a poor inhibitor of type I iodothyronine deiodinase (ID-1). Inhibition of the enzyme by PTU was attributed initially to formation of a mixed disulfide between PTU and a cysteine residue at the active site. Presumably, MMI was unable to form a stable mixed disulfide and thus did not inhibit the enzyme. However, it has been demonstrated recently that ID-1 is a selenium-containing enzyme, with selenocysteine, rather than cysteine, at the active site. This observation raised the possibility that the selenium analog of MMI, methyl selenoimidazole (MSeI), might be a better inhibitor of ID-1 than MMI itself, as formation of the Se-Se bond with the enzyme would be expected to occur more readily than formation of the S-SE bond. To test this possibility, we developed a procedure for the synthesis of MSeI and compared MSeI with MMI and PTU for inhibition of ID-1 and for antithyroid activity. For inhibition of ID-1, MMI and MSeI were tested at concentrations of 10-300 microM. No significant inhibition was observed with MMI. MSeI showed slight but significant inhibition only in the 100-300 microM range. PTU, on the other hand, showed marked inhibition at 1 microM. Thus, replacement of the sulfur in MMI with selenium only marginally increases its inhibitory effect on ID-1. As an inhibitor of ID-1, MSeI is much less than 1% as potent as PTU. MMI and MSeI were also compared for antithyroid activity, both in vivo and in vitro. As an inhibitor of the catalytic activity of thyroid peroxidase, MMI was 4-5 times more potent than MSeI in a guaiacol assay, but only twice as potent in an iodination assay. In in vivo experiments with rats, MMI was at least 50 times more potent than MSeI in inhibiting thyroidal organic iodine formation. The relatively low potency of MSeI in vivo suggests that it is much less well concentrated by the thyroid than in MMI.

An improved method for the preparation of desoxopeffides—reductions of endothiopeptides☆

Abstract Three new procedures for the synthesis of desoxopeptides from endothiopeptides are reported: 1) Raney nickel desulfurizafion, 2) alkylation with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate followed by sodium borohydride reduction, and 3) nickel boride reduction. Of these three, reduction with nickel boride was found to be superior due to high yields, reproducibility and convenience.

Selones as intermediates in the preparation of extremely sterically hindered molecules

Abstract The preparation and reactions of selones, selenium analogues of ketones, are described with particular emphasis on their utility in the preparation of extremely sterically hindered molecules. Mechanistic questions related to these reactions are discussed and evidence for “active selenium” is presented. Selenophilic additions of organometallic compounds to selones are also reported.

An unexpected side reaction in the guaiacol assay for peroxidase

In routine guaiacol assays for thyroid peroxidase and lactoperoxidase employing a newly purchased bottle of guaiacol from Aldrich Chemical Co., we were surprised to find the formation of a blue color instead of the expected amber color classically associated with this assay. This was observed also with horseradish, myelo-, and cytochrome c peroxidase. The blue color (Amax approximately 650 nm) was not formed with guaiacol reagents obtained from two other chemical companies, nor was it seen with a bottle of old Aldrich guaiacol that had been in use in the laboratory for more than 10 years. In the present investigation we provide evidence that formation of the blue color is closely associated with the presence of a low concentration of catechol (approximately 0.5 mol%) in the new Aldrich guaiacol reagent. Catechol itself, even in much higher concentration, is a very weak donor for peroxidase, forming a light pink color. The blue color in Aldrich new guaiacol is not formed to the exclusion of 470-nm-absorbing product(s). Formation of the latter is, however, inhibited, and use of Aldrich new guaiacol for assay leads to low values for peroxidase activity. Other dihydroxyphenols (resorcinol and hydroquinone) do not mimic the action of catechol in formation of the blue color. Resorcinol is a very potent inhibitor of peroxidation of guaiacol. Possible schemes are proposed for formation of the products that may be associated with the amber and blue colors.

Synthesis and characterization of inhibitors of myristoyl-CoA:Protein N-myristoyltransferase

Several substrate and product analogs were synthesized and tested as in vitro inhibitors of bovine brain N-myristoyl-CoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase (NMT; EC 2.3.1.97). At 40 microM, the acyl CoA analog, S-(2-ketopentadecyl)-CoA, completely inhibited NMT in the presence of 80 microM myristoyl CoA. Decreasing but marked inhibition was also observed with the acyl CoA analogs, S-(2-bromo-tetradecanoyl)-CoA and S-(3-(epoxymethylene)dodecanoyl)-CoA, and the multisubstrate derivative N-(2-S-CoA-tetradecanoyl)glycinamide in the presence of 40 microM myristoyl CoA. Inhibition was also observed with the non-coenzyme A myristoyl analog, 1-bromo-2-pentadecanone. All of the above compounds exhibited reversible competitive inhibition kinetics with respect to myristoyl CoA with Ki values of 0.11 to 24 microM. Two additional acyl CoA analogs, S-(cis-3-tetradecenoyl)-CoA and S-(3-tetradecynoyl)-CoA, functioned as alternative substrates for NMT.

Base-promoted oxygenation of N-substituted-N-tosylhydrazines -- a convenient route to hydroxydeamination of primary amines

Abstract Treatment of 1-substituted-1-tosylhydrazines with KOH in refluxing ethanol in the presence of atmospheric oxygen affords the corresponding alcohols in high yield. This reaction, proceeding via ethanol reduction of an intermediate hydroperoxide, provides a convenient route to hydroxydeamination of primary amines.

The chiroptical properties of selenofenchone, a selenoketone with an asymmetrically perturbed CSe chromophore

Abstract CD, ORD, and UV spectra were obtained for the first time on a selenoketone; the chiroptical properties of the selenoketone and of its analogous thione and ketone were parallel.

A convenient conversion of primary amines into the corresponding halides — Radical promoted halodeamination via N-substituted-N-Tosylhydrazines

Abstract Treatment of 1-substituted-1-tosylhydrazines with 2 equivalents of NCS or NBS in dry THF in presence of light affords the corresponding alkyl halides in good yields. This reaction presumably involves the initial formation of a stabilized hydrazyl radical which is halogenated in a radical chain process. Elimination of p-toluenesulfinic acid and extrusion of nitrogen leads to the corresponding alkyl halide. This route provides an improved method for halodeamination under neutral reaction conditions.