Nerve growth-promoting properties of 1,1,3-tricyano-2-amino-1-propene

Investigations dealing with 1,1,3-tricyano-2-amino-1-propene (U-9189) as a nerve growth promoting substance showed a positive response both in vitro and in vivo. When the legs of newts were severed, treatment with intermittent or low doses of this agent resulted in an accelerated rate of limb regeneration compared with animals that were not treated or with those treated with dinitrophenol (DNP) or propylthiouracil (PTU). Continuous treatment with high doses ( 6 mg 100 ml ) proved toxic and resulted in nerve swelling and no regeneration. The effect of the agent on excised chick embryo spinal ganglia cultured for 14 hours confirmed the in vivo studies. At high dose levels the ganglia swelled but did not produce fibers. At moderate or low dose levels the ganglia produced extensive fibers around the periphery. The mode of action of the drug was not established.