CHEMISTRY AND ANTITUMOR-ACTIVITY OF SPERABILLIN POLYMERS

Sperabillin A, ienoylamino]-5-hydroxyhexanoyl]amino]propanamidine dihy drochloride, was polymerized on standing for several days under a high ly humid atmosphere or in the presence of radical initiators. The aver age molecular weight of the polymers obtained could be regulated by ch anging the reaction conditions in the latter case. Spectral analyses o f the polymers revealed that the 2,4-hexadienoyl moiety of sperabillin s was polymerized in a free radical-initiated reaction. The polymers s electively inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothe lial (HUVE) cells. Polymers having higher molecular weight showed stro nger inhibition of HUVE celt proliferation. In addition, the polymers showed anti-tumor activity against B16 melanoma in vivo.