Studies on PGBx, a polymeric derivative of prostaglandin B1: I. Synthesis and purification of PGBx

PGBx, a new polymeric derivative of PGB1, previously was shown to (a) restore oxidative phosphorylation to degraded isolated rat liver mitochondria in vitro and (b) to reverse the effects of cardiogenic ischemia in monkeys and cerebral ischemia in rabbits. This report describes in detail the synthesis and purification of PGBx via PGB1, starting with azelaic acid. Details of the in vitro mitochondrial assay are also reported. Purified PGBx exhibiting maximal reactivation of mitochondrial phosphorylation has a mean molecular weight of 2350. Yield of PGBx based on azelaic acid is 4% and based on PGB1 is 25%.