DNA-CHLORPHENIRAMINE INTERACTION STUDIED BY SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES

It was previously studied that the antihistaminic chlorpheniramine eli cits a biphasic response on cell growth and regulates polyamine metabo lism, as described for polyamines. In part, polyamine effects on macro molecular synthesis and cell growth are attributed to nucleic acid:pol yamine interactions. In this work, we have tested the hypothesis of a DNA:chlorpheniramine interaction, using fluorometry, FTIR and Raman sp ectroscopic techniques. The results indicate that DNA:chlorpheniramine interaction occurs inducing conformational changes in the macromolecu le by affecting both phosphodiester bonds and bases. Results open new perspectives for characterization of action mechanisms of natural or s ynthetic diamines with pharmacological or physiological importance. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.