O DNA
O2 H 2N
DNA + H O 2 e tc
CH3
N
NH
CH3
N
NH
OH
O
Reaction scheme for bioreductive activation of
mitomycin C and the subsequent interstrand cross-
linking of DNA.
NH2 N
O HN
O HN
CH3
ON H
c yt o s in e
ON H
uracil
ON H
t h ymin e
12
Many derivatives of the nitrogen mustards have been synthesized with various improvements. These agents are thought to react with 7 position of guanine in each of the double strands of DNA, causing crosslinking, which interferes with separation of the strands and prevents mitosis.
chemotherapy of Hodgkin’s disease and the non-
Hodgkin’s lymphomas. It has wide activity, but more
recent agents are safer and easier to use. A major
disadvantage ultimately carcinogenic, effect on bone