Chemical Implications for Antitumor and Antiviral Prostaglandins:  Reaction of Δ⁷-Prostaglandin A₁ and Prostaglandin A₁ Methyl Esters with Thiols

Prostaglandins (PGs) such as Δ12-PGJ2 and Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester that possess a cross-conjugated dienone unit exhibit unique antitumor and antiviral activities independent of intracellular cAMP levels. These compounds are transported reversibly into cultured cells and accumulate in nuclei via covalent interaction, eliciting growth inhibition. PGA1 methyl ester, a simple cyclopentenone analog, is less potent. The unique cellular behavior of the dienone PGs correlates well with their chemical properties. The PGs react specifically with thiol nucleophiles such as glutathione. Michael addition of thiols to Δ7-PGA1 methyl ester, an alkylidenecyclopentenone derivative, occurs facilely at the endocyclic C(11) position rather than at the C(7) position. This process is reversible, and in solution phase, the adducts are in equilibrium with considerable amounts of free PG and thiols. However, the reaction of this PG with Sepharose-bound thiols, regarded to be plausible mimics of protein thiols, is irreversible, and th...