Dibenzyl Polyamine Analogs - A New Class of Radioprotective Agents

A series of N-benzyl norspermidine analogues was prepared and evaluated as radiation protective agents. We have previously reported the results of an in vitro assay which showed this type of polyamine analogue was taken up by HeLa cells where it localized in the nucleus in high concentrations. The compounds were further modified to include radical scavenging functionality in an attempt to deliver the radical scavenging molecule to the nucleus and protect DNA from damage during irradiation. The best protective activity was observed with the parent dibenzylpolyamine analogue, suggesting that the radiation protective acitivity seen with the compound may not involve radical scavenging.