ABSTRACT
The conjugate of the gossypol derivative megosin (1) with N-polyvinylpyrrolidone named rometin (2) was synthesized. The effects of 1 and 2 on the structure and permeability of human erythrocytes and rat liver mitochondria were compared. Compound 1 induced dose-dependent erythrocyte hemolysis and increased mitochondrial permeability, with concomitant changes in membrane structure as determined by ESR and fluorescence anisotropy methods. Immobilization of 1 on N-polyvinylpyrrolidone (compound 2) increased its water solubility and reduced the intensity of its effects on erythrocyte membrane integrity and mitochondrial permeability, which correlated with a decrease in the membranes structural changes induced by the compound. Although the same concentrations of free and N-polyvinylpyrrolidone bound 1 were used, far less (14)C-labeled 1 was incorporated into the membranes from complex than free 1. The increase in water solubility and the reduction of membrane-active properties of 1 after immobilization on N-polyvinylpyrrolidone could explain our previous observation of the decreased toxicity of 1.
