Antitumor activity of some metal complexes: effect on hepatic DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis in rats bearing transplanted tumors by Dalton's lymphoma cells.

In order to ascertain the antitumor properties of metal complexes, we have investigated their effect on hepatic DNA, RNA pools, and protein levels in rats bearing transplanted tumors by Dalton's Lymphoma cells because antitumor agents are directed against DNA, RNA transcription, and synthesis. These coordination complexes have been synthesized by the condensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine with FaHh and DAP-Th2, thereafter they were complexed with nickel, cobalt, and iron. The structure of these metal complexes have been elucidated on the basis of IR, UV, NMR, Mass, EPR, and magnetic studies. The tumor-transplanted rats were treated with these metal complexes and ligands (2 ml of 1 mM sol/Kg body weight, s.c.) for two weeks to study their effect on DNA, RNA pools, and protein levels. The metal complexes have altered the hepatic DNA, RNA pools, and protein levels in the liver, kidney, and spleen of rats.