A comparative study of the cytotoxicity and DNA-damaging effects of cis-(diammino)(1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)-platinum(II) and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) on L1210 cells.

Utilizing the DNA alkaline elution technique we have compared qualitatively and quantitatively the DNA lesions produced in L1210 cells after a 2 h exposure to the antitumor agents, cis-(diammino) (1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)-platinum(II) (CBDCA) and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (DDP). DNA-protein and DNA interstrand cross-links are formed in cells exposed to either CBDCA or DDP. However, in comparison to DDP peak levels of these lesions occur 6 to 12 h later in CBDCA treated cells. Cytotoxicity studies reveal that CBDCA is 45 times less potent than DDP to L1210 cells when compared on a molar basis. The decreased cytotoxicity of CBDCA and the 12 h delay in peak cross-linking when compared to DDP is interpreted as a decreased reactivity of the intact CBDCA towards the DNA. This decreased reactivity may be due in part to the presence of a stable bidentate dicarboxylate chelate ring structure of CBDCA resulting in a much slower rate of hydrolysis to the active form of the drug.