The cytotoxicity of N-substituted diphenimides and 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepines.

N-substituted diphenimides and 6,7-dihydro-5H-dibenz[c,e]azepines demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against the growth of murine and human cells. These derivatives were active against leukemias, carcinomas and sarcomas. Different derivatives with N-substitutions showed specific activity against the growth of several tumor types. These agents inhibited L1210 leukemia IMP dehydrogenase and PRPP amido transferase activities; this was reflected in the inhibition of purine and DNA synthesis. Other sites inhibited to a minor degree by these agents included DNA polymerase alpha, r- and tRNA polymerases, ribonucleoside reductase, dihydrofolate reductase, pyrimidine synthesis, and nucleoside kinase. d(NTP) pool levels were reduced after 24 h incubation with these derivatives. L1210 DNA strand scission was evident after drug treatment.