Short-chain analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone containing cytotoxic moieties (original) (raw)

Five hexapeptide and heptapeptide analogs of luteiniSng hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) were synthesized for use as carriers for cytotoxic compounds. These short analogs were expected to enhanc target selectivity of the antineoplastic agents linked to them. Native LH-RH-(3-9) and LH-RH-(4-9) containing D-lysine and D-ornithine at position 6 were anidated with ethylamine and acylated on the N termi-Abbreviations: LH, luteinizing hormone; LH-RH, LH-releasing hormone; Mel, 4-[bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]phenylalanine; A2pr, 2,3diaminopropionic acid; IA, indole-3-acetic acid (or -acetyl); Boc, tert-butoxycarbonyl; MTX, methotrexate; HMAQ, 2-(hydroxymethyl)anthraquinone; DOX, doxorubicin. tPresent address: