Effect of radiation-induced reduction of nitroimidazoles on biologically active DNA.

Radiation-chemical reductions have been carried out with several nitroimidazoles. Reduction of these drugs in the presence of single-stranded phi chi 174 DNA causes extensive lethal damage. However, relatively stable (end) products, do not contribute to the damage, although glyoxal is potentially toxic. This demonstrates that a short-lived intermediate in the reduction process is responsible. Further, the quantity of damage in the DNA depends on both dose (reduction)-rate and also the nature of the drug.