Cytotoxic effect and electrophysiological activity of S-irniine, a synthesised isomer of the natural R-irniine, on human MRC-5 fibroblasts

Nat Prod Res. 2005 Sep;19(6):573-80. doi: 10.1080/14786410412331271032.

Abstract

Numerous original alkaloids are present in tubers of Arisarum vulgare Targ. a species belonging to the Araceae family known in Morocco for its toxicity. Some previous works deal with the activity of these natural compounds as R-irniine. As the enantioselective total synthesis of irniine has been realised, the R- and S-forms were obtained and this last one could be tested. Thus, a study of the cytotoxicity and the electrophysiological activity of S-irniine was carried out on human MRC-5 fibroblasts. A cytotoxic effect of S-irniine at 40 microg/mL was detected on MRC-5 fibroblasts. An electrophysiological study was also carried out on the MRC-5 cells by using the patch-clamp technique and no effect of this compound at this concentration on the outward potassium current of MRC-5 fibroblasts was observed. Thus, this study showed, as it was for R-irniine, that the cytotoxicity of S-irniine was not explained by an effect on the potassium currents.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / chemistry
  • Alkaloids / pharmacology*
  • Alkaloids / toxicity*
  • Araceae / chemistry*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Electrophysiology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Humans
  • Isomerism
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques
  • Pyrrolidines / chemistry
  • Pyrrolidines / pharmacology*
  • Pyrrolidines / toxicity*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Pyrrolidines
  • irniine