10-ω-Phenylalkyl-9(10H)-anthracenones as inhibitors of keratinocyte growth with reduced membrane damaging properties

Work aimed at further improving the benefit to risk ratio of the antipsoriatic agent anthralin has led to 10-ω-phenylalkyl-9(10H)-anthracenones, members of which are equally potent as inhibitors of the growth of HaCaT keratinocytes. In contrast to anthralin, induction of membrane injury is strongly reduced as documented by the release of LDH activity from cytoplasm of keratinocytes.