Oligopyridine ligands derived from amino acid precursors: their Zn2+ complexation and effects on hepatic stellate cell functions.

A series of oligopyridine ligands were derived from amino acid amides in which amide oxygen and ternary nitrogen atoms were combined with pyridine moieties. 1H NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopic characterizations revealed that they formed stable Zn2+ complexes in neutral aqueous solutions and caused Zn2+ deficiency in the hepatic stellate cell systems. Since collagen synthesis was effectively promoted in the cells, the present oligopyridine derivatives worked as biocompatible ligands for Zn2+ complexation and cell activation.