Synthesis of biologically active peptides related to ACTH

Abstract

The various protecting agents for the ∈-NH₂ group of lysine and the guanidine group of arginine have been discussed with emphasis on the use of tosylation. The effectiveness of sodium in liquid ammonia for the removal of protecting groups has also been discussed. The synthesis of α^1−10+15-19-ACTH, α¹⁻¹⁷-ACTH and α¹⁻¹⁹-ACTH has been presented. The homogeneity of synthetic products was established by chromatography on carboxylmethylcellulose, disc electrophoresis on Polyacrylamide gel and amino acid analysis. The biological activities of these synthetic peptides, with respect to adrenal-stimulation, melanocyte-stimulation, and lipolysis were summarized. It was found that a separation of these three biological activities has been achieved.