Enhanced inhibition of both cellular protein synthesis and malate dehydrogenase by aged aquoplatinum(II) complexes.

Previous studies have shown cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (Cis) an effective anti-tumour agent in man and animals. Evidence is presented here that formation of aquo complexes of this platinum derivative will significantly enhance its inhibitory properties with respect to two separate biochemical functions, namely inhibition of protein synthesis in hamster medulloblastoma cells and in inhibiting the activity of L-malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in a cell free system. Inhibition of cell protein synthesis rises from 8% using freshly dissolved drug to 30% when aged solutions of drug are employed at an inhibitor concentration of 0.1 mM. The inhibitory enhancement seen using purified malic dehydrogenase increases from 16% (fresh) to 57% (aged) at an inhibitor concentration of 1 mM.