Renal Specificity of Amino Acid Pro-drug and their Effects

3 Renal Specificity of Amino Acid Pro-drugs and their Effects 

The N-acetyl-y-glutamyl pro-drug of the hydralazine-hke vasodilator CGP 18137 showed a higher renal-selective activity than the parent compound, CGP 18137. In contrast to the parent drug, the pro-drug caused a decrease in renal resistance without any effect on blood pressure [49]. 

Cysteine-S-conjugates have also been proposed as kidney-selective pro-drugs. Renal metabolism of S-6-(purinyl)-L-cysteine resulted in the formation of 6-mercaptopurine by the action of P-lyase [51]. However, besides formation of the intended parent compound, other S-conjugates may be formed by various radical reactions, which may induce renal toxicity. 

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