Preferential cytotoxicity of some novel alkylating agents under hypoxic conditions

Summary Activity of some fifty potential alkylating agents on respiration and anaerobic glycolysis and upon RNA, DNA and protein, synthesis of Walker 256 ascites tumour cells has been investigated. The sulphonylhydrazone moiety proved to be selectively toxic to hypoxic cells in some structures; use of carbohydrate residues as “carriers” led to loss of activity. One halo-deoxy sugar showed an effect upon glycolysis and RNA synthesis.