THE CYTOTOXICITY OF N-SUBSTITUTED DIPHENIMIDES AND 6,7-DIHYDRO-5H-DIBENZ[C,E]AZEPINES

N-substituted diphenimides and 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepines demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against the growth of murine and human cells. These derivatives were active against leukemias, carcinomas and sarcomas. Different derivatives with N-substitutions showed specific activity against the growth of several tumor types. These agents inhibited L1210 leukemia IMP dehydrogenase and PRPP amido transferase activities; this was reflected in the inhibition of purine and DNA synthesis. Other sites inhibited to a minor degree by these agents included DNA polymerase alpha, r- and tRNA polymerases, ribonucleoside reductase, dihydrofolate reductase, pyrimidine synthesis, and nucleoside kinase. d(NTP) pool levels' were reduced after 24h incubation with these derivatives. L1210 DNA strand scission was evident after drug treatment.