Embryonic Responses to Structurally Related Inhibitors
Substituted benzotriazoles (Bt) have been shown to bring about interesting inhibitory effects on Rana pipiens embryos of 2-cell to tail-bud stages (Liedke, Engelman, & Graff, 1954, 1955, 1957a, 1957b). These benzotriazoles did not have selective cytotoxic effects on sensitive embryonic structures as similarly substituted benzimidazoles (Bz) and quinoxalines (Q) invariably did. The latter compounds, Bz and Q, were most active against younger stages, especially those in cleavage. On the other hand, it was found that the susceptibility to the benzotriazoles increased with age of embryo; more differentiated stages were affected most. The type of response was determined by the parent structure, but certain substituents, the nitro group in particular, appeared to enhance the magnitude of the effect. The activating effect of the nitro group was in turn modified to varying degree by an accompanying methoxy, hydroxy, or amino group.