Antitumor agents LVI: the protein synthesis inhibition by genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine of P-388 lymphocytic leukemia cells.

Two natural products isolated from the plant Daphne genkwa have been shown to possess antileukemic activity in mice. Genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine were observed to inhibit DNA and protein synthesis in P-388 leukemic cells. A detailed study of the effects of these two diterpene esters on protein synthesis of leukemic cells was undertaken. The major effects of genkwadaphnin and yuanhuacine on protein synthesis were blockage of the elongation process and interference with the peptidyl transferase reaction. The latter reaction was suppressed at concentrations of the diterpene esters which were commensurate with concentrations that inhibited whole cell in vitro protein synthesis in P-388 cells.