Uptake of acridinecarboxamide derivatives by L1210 cells

The uptake of six 9-aminoacridinecarboxamide derivatives by L1210 cells in relation to their lipophilicity and cytotoxic activity was studied. The amount of acridines taken up by cells was estimated by fluorimetric measurements. It was found that the uptake efficiency of this class of compounds by cells depends on the size of carboxamide residue as well as on position of the substituent. The increase of size of carboxamide chain resulted in the loss of capability of acridines to penetrate cell membrane. Cytotoxic effects of acridines were well correlated with the level of drugs accumulated by cells, whereas no clear correlation between uptake and lipophilicity was observed. It is concluded that uptake of 9-aminoacridinecarboxamides is the most important factor determining their antiproliferative activity.