Synthesis of site-directed chelating agents II: 2-formyl-3-hydroxy-4,5-bis (hydroxymethyl)pyridine thiosemicarbazone.

2-Formyl-3-hydroxy-4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine thiosemicarbazone was synthesized in an attempt to direct the chelating potential of this agent to the active site of the zinc-requiring enzyme pyridoxal phosphokinase. Evaluation of the antineoplastic activity of this agent in the sarcoma 180 and L-1210 leukemia systems in mice showed potent activity. The presence or absence of pyridoxine hydrochloride in the diet did not influence the degree of inhibition of the growth of sarcoma 180 ascites cells. In addition, 2-formyl-3-hydroxy-4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine thiosemicarbazone was inactive against a subline of sarcoma 180 resistant to 1-formylisoquinoline thiosemicarbazone, suggesting that the former agent may have a biochemical mechanism of action similar to that of the latter. In keeping with this expectation, 2-formyl-3-hydroxy-4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine thiosemicarbazone inhibited the synthesis of DNA but not of RNA or protein in sarcoma 180 ascites cells in vitro.