Synthesis of Labelled MDP

The mechanism of action of MDP and its metabolism can be studied using radioactive derivatives. 

MDP has been labelled with at the C-1 of the lactyl moiety. The synthesis of the labelled compound follows the procedure of Merser et al. (50) using D-L-bromo-2-propionic- C-l acid (57). 

For preparing ( C-alanine)-MDP, a modified synthesis has been described using 4,6-0-anisylidene-N-acetyl-muramyl- C-L-alanyl-D-iso-glutamine (55) which can be deprotected by mild acid treatment. 

More recently, the synthesis of (6- H)-N-acetyl-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine was reported 15). The specific tritiation at the C-6 of the muramyl moiety of MDP is shown in Fig. 5. 

Synthesis of Other N-acetyl-muramyl-dipeptides, Analogues and 

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