Molecular basis of chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol toxicity to DNA in vitro

The action of thiamphenicol and reduced chloramphenicol on DNA has been investigated in vitro. Reduced chloramphenicol causes DNA damage which is dependent upon reduction of the nitrogroup and which is characterized by helix destabilization and strand breakage. Although the reduction process require...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy 1983-12, Vol.12 (6), p.535-542
Main Authors: Skolimowski, Irena M., Knight, R. C., Edwards, D. I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chloramphenicol - toxicity
DNA - metabolism
DNA, Bacterial - metabolism
Escherichia coli - genetics
Oxidation-Reduction
Polarography
Temperature
Thiamphenicol - toxicity
Viscosity
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The action of thiamphenicol and reduced chloramphenicol on DNA has been investigated in vitro. Reduced chloramphenicol causes DNA damage which is dependent upon reduction of the nitrogroup and which is characterized by helix destabilization and strand breakage. Although the reduction process requires six electrons indicating formation of the amine in 100% yield the toxic agent is most probably a short-lived reduction intermediate. We propose the one-electron nitro radical anion rather than the nitroso derivative as the toxic agent responsible for DNA damage related to aplastic anaemia. In contrast, thiamphenicol produces no such effects on DNA.
ISSN:0305-7453
1460-2091
DOI:10.1093/jac/12.6.535