Leflunomide
Based on 17 publication(s) in Google Scholar
Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor, inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), and acts as a disease-modifying antirheumatic agent.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity: 99.82%
- CAS No.: 75706-12-6
- Formula: C12H9F3N2O2
- Molecular Weight:270.21
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Storage:Powder -20°C, 3 years , 4°C, 2 years ; In solvent -80°C, 1 year , -20°C, 6 months
Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Leflunomide
More- Cancer Lett. 2018 Mar 28:417:21-34. [Abstract]
- Haematologica. 2018 Sep;103(9):1472-1483. [Abstract]
- Neurotherapeutics. 2025 Apr;22(3):e00575. [Abstract]
- Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. [Abstract]
- Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jul 16;25(14):7798. [Abstract]
- Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2025 Jun;65(6):107470. [Abstract]
- Antiviral Res. 2026 Mar:247:106354. [Abstract]
- Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 26;15(1):33090. [Abstract]
- Sci Rep. 2025 Apr 5;15(1):11703. [Abstract]
- Sci Rep. 2024 Dec 30;14(1):31901. [Abstract]
- Biotechnol Bioeng. 2021 Dec;118(12):4687-4698. [Abstract]
- Chin J Integr Med. 2021 Oct;27(10):760-766. [Abstract]
- Inhal Toxicol. 2024 Nov 20:1-10. [Abstract]
- Res Sq. 2025 Sep 14.
- bioRxiv. 2025 Jul 12:2025.07.08.663754. [Abstract]
- bioRxiv. 2025 June 01.
- SSRN. 2024 Jan 26.
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Cell Imaging/Staining
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Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay
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Cell Imaging/Staining
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Flow Cytometry
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WB
All Endogenous Metabolite Isoforms
More
Biological Activity
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Cell Line
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Type | Value | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPC1 | IC50 |
123 μM
Compound: 58
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Antiproliferative activity against human ASPC1 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 24 hrs by CCK-8 assay
Antiproliferative activity against human ASPC1 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 24 hrs by CCK-8 assay
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[PMID: 38071792] |
| BXPC-3 | IC50 |
32 μM
Compound: 58
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Antiproliferative activity against human BXPC-3 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability measured after 72 hrs by MTT assay
Antiproliferative activity against human BXPC-3 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability measured after 72 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 38071792] |
| HepG2 | IC50 |
109.5 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells assessed as reduction in glucose induced mitochondrial toxicity by measuring ATP depletion incubated for 24 hrs by CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay
Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells assessed as reduction in glucose induced mitochondrial toxicity by measuring ATP depletion incubated for 24 hrs by CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay
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[PMID: 32942072] |
| HT-1080 | IC50 |
30 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human HT-1080 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human HT-1080 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| HT-1080 | IC50 |
38 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human HT-1080 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human HT-1080 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| HT-29 | IC50 |
75 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human HT-29 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human HT-29 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| HT-29 | IC50 |
75 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human HT-29 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human HT-29 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| Jurkat | IC50 |
34.6 μM
Compound: 1 (leflunomide)
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In vitro inhibition of Jurkat cell proliferation.
In vitro inhibition of Jurkat cell proliferation.
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[PMID: 11384243] |
| Jurkat | IC50 |
41.4 μM
Compound: 1
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In vitro inhibitory activity against Jurkat cell proliferation
In vitro inhibitory activity against Jurkat cell proliferation
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[PMID: 9719606] |
| M21 | IC50 |
83 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human M21 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human M21 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| M21 | IC50 |
83 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human M21 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human M21 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| MCF7 | IC50 |
55 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| MCF7 | IC50 |
57 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells assessed as cell growth inhibition measured after 48 hrs in presence of uridine by SRB assay
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[PMID: 33007554] |
| MIA PaCa-2 | IC50 |
32 μM
Compound: 58
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Antiproliferative activity against human MIA PaCa-2 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 24 hrs by CCK8 assay
Antiproliferative activity against human MIA PaCa-2 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 24 hrs by CCK8 assay
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[PMID: 38071792] |
| MT4 | CC50 |
178.5 μM
Compound: 46
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Cytotoxicity against human MT4 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by celltiter glo assay
Cytotoxicity against human MT4 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 72 hrs by celltiter glo assay
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[PMID: 38160620] |
| PANC-1 | IC50 |
47 μM
Compound: 58
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Antiproliferative activity against human PANC-1 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 24 hrs by CCK-8 assay
Antiproliferative activity against human PANC-1 cells assessed as reduction in cell viability incubated for 24 hrs by CCK-8 assay
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[PMID: 38071792] |
| Sf21 | IC50 |
111.6 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Inhibition of Sprague-Dawley rat Bsep expressed in plasma membrane vesicles of Sf21 cells assessed as inhibition of ATP-dependent [3H]taurocholate uptake
Inhibition of Sprague-Dawley rat Bsep expressed in plasma membrane vesicles of Sf21 cells assessed as inhibition of ATP-dependent [3H]taurocholate uptake
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[PMID: 21965623] |
| Sf21 | IC50 |
177.4 μM
Compound: Leflunomide
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Inhibition of human BSEP expressed in plasma membrane vesicles of Sf21 cells assessed as inhibition of ATP-dependent [3H]taurocholate uptake
Inhibition of human BSEP expressed in plasma membrane vesicles of Sf21 cells assessed as inhibition of ATP-dependent [3H]taurocholate uptake
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[PMID: 21965623] |
Leflunomide is actually a prodrug that has been shown to inhibit proliferation of mononuclear and T-cells. Leflunomide is an inhibitor of several protein tyrosine kinases, with IC50 values between 30 mM and 100 mM in vitro cellular and enzymatic assays[1].
Leflunomide is capable of inhibiting anti-CD3- and interleukin-2 (IL-2)-stimulated T cell proliferation. Leflunomide is able to inhibit p59fyn and p56lck activity in in vitro tyrosine kinase assays. Leflunomide also inhibits Ca2+ mobilization in Jurkat cells stimulated by anti-CD3 antibody but not in those stimulated by ionomycin. Leflunomide also inhibits distal events of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody stimulation, namely, IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor expression on human T lymphocytes. Leflunomide also inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation in CTLL-4 cells stimulated by IL-2[2].
Leflunomide is an immunomodulatory drug that may exert its effects by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), which plays a key role in the de novo synthesis of the pyrimidine ribonucleotide uridine monophosphate (rUMP). Leflunomide prevents the expansion of activated and autoimmune lymphocytes by interfering with the cell cycle progression due to inadequate production of rUMP and utilizing mechanisms involving p53[3].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
| NCT Number | Sponsor | Condition | Start Date |
Phase
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT01329991 | Plexxikon| | 2011-05 | PHASE1 |
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 75706-12-6
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Appearance Solid
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Molecular Weight 270.21
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Formula C12H9F3N2O2
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Color White to off-white
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SMILES
O=C(C1=C(C)ON=C1)NC2=CC=C(C(F)(F)F)C=C2
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Synonyms
HWA486; RS-34821; SU101
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Structure Classification
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Initial Source
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
Powder -20°C 3 years 4°C 2 years In solvent -80°C 1 year -20°C 6 months
Publications (17)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Cancer Lett
FOXQ1/NDRG1 axis exacerbates hepatocellular carcinoma initiation via enhancing crosstalk between fibroblasts and tumor cells. [Abstract]2018 Mar 28:417:21-34. PMID: 29248714
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cancer Lett. 2018 Mar 28:417:21-34. [Abstract]
Western blot indicates that the expression of pSTAT6 and CCL26 in HCC cells induced by ectopic NDRG1 expression is obviously attenuated by LEF treatment.
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Haematologica
Pharmacological inhibition of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase induces apoptosis and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia cells. [Abstract]2018 Sep;103(9):1472-1483. PMID: 29880605
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Haematologica. 2018 Sep;103(9):1472-1483. [Abstract]
Western blot analysis the changes of apoptosis-associated protein at day 18 of HL60 xenograft tumors treated with vehicle, Isobavachalcone (IBC) or Leflunomide (LEF). Expression levels of MYC and p21 in vehicle, IBC, or LEF treated tumors are estimated by western blot.
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Neurotherapeutics
Transcriptionally distinct malignant neuroblastoma populations show selective response to adavosertib treatment. [Abstract]2025 Apr;22(3):e00575. PMID: 40118716 -
Drug Des Devel Ther
Leflunomide Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis via Suppressing Autophagy and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Human Bladder Cancer Cells. [Abstract]2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. PMID: 32546957
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. [Abstract]
5637 and T24 cells were treated with DMSO or increasing concentrations of Leflunomide (12.5–200 μM, 48 h), the inferior cell condition and reduced cell viability were observed by microscopy.
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. [Abstract]
5637 and T24 cells were treated with DMSO or increasing concentrations of Leflunomide (12.5–200 μM, 48 h), the inferior cell condition and reduced cell viability were observed by MTS assay.
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. [Abstract]
5637 and T24 cells were treated with DMSO or increasing concentrations of Leflunomide (12.5–200 μM), the cell colonies were stained with crystal violet.
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. [Abstract]
Leflunomide induced apoptosis in bladder cancer cells. 5637 and T24 cells were treated with increasing concentrations of Leflunomide (12.5–200 μM) or DMSO for 24 or 48 hours, the apoptotic rate was determined by flow cytometry analysis with Annexin-V/PI staining.
Leflunomide purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2020 May 18;14:1897-1908. [Abstract]
Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in 5637 and T24 cell lines treated with increasing concentrations of Leflunomide (12.5–200 μM) or DMSO for 48 hours.
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Int J Mol Sci
In Vivo Chemical Screening in Zebrafish Embryos Identified FDA-Approved Drugs That Induce Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. [Abstract]2024 Jul 16;25(14):7798. PMID: 39063039 -
Int J Antimicrob Agents
A new perspective on the antimicrobial mechanism of linezolid against Staphylococcus aureus revealed by proteomics and metabolomics analysis. [Abstract]2025 Jun;65(6):107470. PMID: 40049374 -
Antiviral Res
Lapachol, a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor, demonstrates antiviral activity against feline calicivirus in vitro and in vivo. [Abstract]2026 Mar:247:106354. PMID: 41577199 -
Sci Rep
Butin regulates the NLRP3/CASP-1/GSDMD pyroptosis axis to inhibit proliferation and pyroptosis in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis. [Abstract]2025 Sep 26;15(1):33090. PMID: 41006493 -
Sci Rep
2025 Apr 5;15(1):11703. PMID: 40188147 -
Sci Rep
Biocompatible ionized air alleviates rat osteoarthritis by modulating polarization from M1 to M2 macrophages. [Abstract]2024 Dec 30;14(1):31901. PMID: 39738316 -
Biotechnol Bioeng
An integrated biomimetic array chip for establishment of collagen-based 3D primary human hepatocyte model for prediction of clinical drug-induced liver injury. [Abstract]2021 Dec;118(12):4687-4698. PMID: 34478150 -
Chin J Integr Med
Arsenic Trioxide Combining Leflunomide Activates Nrf2-ARE-HO-1 Signaling Pathway and Protects Heart Xenografts. [Abstract]2021 Oct;27(10):760-766. PMID: 34319507 -
Inhal Toxicol
GRP78 mediates mitochondrial fusion and fission in cigarette smoke-induced inflammatory responses in airway epithelial cells. [Abstract]2024 Nov 20:1-10. PMID: 39565149 -
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bioRxiv
2025 Jul 12:2025.07.08.663754. PMID: 40672312 -
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Solvent & Solubility
DMSO : ≥ 50 mg/mL (185.04 mM; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)
* "≥" means soluble, but saturation unknown.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 1 year; -20°C, 6 months. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 1 year. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 6 months.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 1 year; -20°C, 6 months. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 1 year. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 6 months.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.
- For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
- To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
- The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline
Solubility: 2.5 mg/mL (9.25 mM); Suspended solution; Need ultrasonic and warming
This protocol yields a suspended solution of 2.5 mg/mL. Suspended solution can be used for oral and intraperitoneal injection.
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)
Solubility: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (9.25 mM); Clear solution
This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).
Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (25.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.
Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:
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Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
Please enter your animal formula composition:
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%DMSO +
Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
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%+
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+%Tween-80 + +
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%Saline +
The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL
Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL DMSO. Stock solution concentration: mg/mL.
1. Take μL DMSO stock solution;
2. Add μL .
μL , mix evenly;
3. Then add μL Tween 80, mix evenly;
4. Then add μL
Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
Protocol
DHODase activity is measured by the DCIP colorimetric assay. This is a coupled assay in which oxidation of DHO and subsequent reduction of ubiquinone are stoichiometrically equivalent to the reduction of DCIP. Reduction of DCIP is accompanied by a loss of absorbance at 610 nm (ε=21500 M/cm). The assay is performed in a 96-well microtiter plate at ambient temperature (ca. 25°C). Stock solutions of 10 mM leflunomide and A771726 are prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and these are diluted with reaction buffer (100 mM Tris and 0.1 % Triton X-100, pH 8.0) to prepare working stocks of the inhibitors at varying concentrations. For each reaction, the well contained 10 nM DHODase, 68 μM DCIP, 0.16 mg/mL gelatin, the stated concentration of ubiquinone, 10 μL of an inhibitor working stock to give the stated final concentration, and reaction buffer. After a 5-min equilibration period, the reaction is initiated by addition of DHO to the stated final concentrations. The total volume of reaction mixture for each assay is 150 μL, and the final DMSO concentration is ≤ 0.01% (v/v). The reaction progress is followed by recording the loss of absorbance at 610 nm over a 10-min period (during which the velocity remained linear). Velocities are reported as the change in absorbance at 610 nm per minute, and each reported value is the average of three replicates. In experiments where the DHO or ubiquinone concentration is varied, the other substrate is held constant at 200 μM. To determine the inhibitor potency of leflunomide and A771726, the effects of varying concentrations of the two compounds on the initial velocity of the DHODase reaction is measured over a concentration range of 0.01−1.0 μM. In these experiments the DHO and ubiquinone concentrations are held constant at 200 and 100 μM, respectively.
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (280 KB)
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SDS (480 KB)
- English - EN (480 KB)
- Français - FR (480 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (480 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (480 KB)
- Español - ES (480 KB)
- Swedish - SV (480 KB)
- Italian - IT (480 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (480 KB)
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Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
References
[1]. Davis JP, et al. The immunosuppressive metabolite of leflunomide is a potent inhibitor of human dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Biochemistry. 1996 Jan 30;35(4):1270-3. [Content Brief]
[2]. Xu X, et al. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in T cells by a novel immunosuppressive agent, leflunomide. J Biol Chem. 1995 May 26;270(21):12398-403. [Content Brief]
[3]. Fox RI, et al. Mechanism of action for leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Immunol. 1999 Dec;93(3):198-208. [Content Brief]
Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 1 year; -20°C, 6 months. When stored at -80°C, please use it within 1 year. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 6 months.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMSO | 1 mM | 3.7008 mL | 18.5041 mL | 37.0083 mL | 92.5206 mL |
| 5 mM | 0.7402 mL | 3.7008 mL | 7.4017 mL | 18.5041 mL | |
| 10 mM | 0.3701 mL | 1.8504 mL | 3.7008 mL | 9.2521 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.2467 mL | 1.2336 mL | 2.4672 mL | 6.1680 mL | |
| 20 mM | 0.1850 mL | 0.9252 mL | 1.8504 mL | 4.6260 mL | |
| 25 mM | 0.1480 mL | 0.7402 mL | 1.4803 mL | 3.7008 mL | |
| 30 mM | 0.1234 mL | 0.6168 mL | 1.2336 mL | 3.0840 mL | |
| 40 mM | 0.0925 mL | 0.4626 mL | 0.9252 mL | 2.3130 mL | |
| 50 mM | 0.0740 mL | 0.3701 mL | 0.7402 mL | 1.8504 mL | |
| 60 mM | 0.0617 mL | 0.3084 mL | 0.6168 mL | 1.5420 mL | |
| 80 mM | 0.0463 mL | 0.2313 mL | 0.4626 mL | 1.1565 mL | |
| 100 mM | 0.0370 mL | 0.1850 mL | 0.3701 mL | 0.9252 mL |