Inhibition of DNA synthesis in different tissues of L1210-leukemia-bearing mice by new platinum (II) complexes.

The inhibition of [14C]thymidine incorporation into DNA of tumor and normal tissues of L1210-leukemia-bearing mice by single doses of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin, cis-DDP) and two newly synthesized platinum (II) complexes containing as ligands dimethyl aminomethylphosphine oxide (complex I) and methyl bis(aminomethyl)phosphine oxide (complex II) was studied and used as an indication of drug toxicity. All three complexes caused selective inhibition of precursor incorporation in L1210 cells as compared to host tissue cells. cis-DDP caused a complete block of incorporated thymidine in tumor cells during more than 48 h, whereas in intestinal mucosa and bone marrow reverse inhibition was observed. In spleen, liver and kidney the inhibition was about 50% and endured up to 96 h without reversal. Complex I treatment of L1210 cells resulted in an earlier recovery of thymidine incorporation into DNA in comparison with cis-DDP. Towards all other normal tissues compound I was less toxic than cis-DDP. Unlike cis-DDP and complex I, complex II was less active against L1210 cells and most toxic against bone marrow and kidney.