Abstract
The ability of a group of congeners of morphinan and related compounds to inhibit the growth of HeLa cells has been correlated with their ability to inhibit protein and RNA synthesis in the intact cell. With the exception of thebaine, the inhibition of protein synthesis by these compounds is associated with a dissolution of polysome structure. As shown earlier, the effects on protein synthesis appear to be indirect, since the compounds tested did not inhibit amino acid incorporation when added to a cell-free HeLa system, and there is evidence that these compounds profoundly affect intracellular ATP levels. The structural features required for inhibitory action have been analyzed. One interpretation of our findings points to the existence in HeLa cells of a mechanism for recognizing the C- and D-ring regions of the morphinans and related molecules. In the absence of information on the penetration and transport of these compounds, other mechanistic interpretations must be considered.
- Copyright ©, 1969, by Academic Press Inc.
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