The Journal of Experimental Medicine · 1948 · 70 citations · 1 references
Life SciencesBiochemistryCellular MetabolismMetabolismPlant NutritionCarbohydrate MetabolismCellular RespirationEnergy MetabolismNitrogen MetabolismRespiration InhibitionRespiration PhysiologyAnaerobic GlycolysisCholine MetabolismGlycolysisHepatic Urea SynthesisPyruvate MetabolismPyruvate OxidationRespiratory Enzyme InhibitionSynthesis Reactions
Nitrogen mustards are powerful inhibitors for choline oxidase, acetylcholine esterase, and choline acetylase, half-inhibition of the first enzyme being produced with concentrations around 1 x 10(-6)M; i.e., ten times less than the LD(50) values. Acetylcholine esterase and choline acetylase required higher concentrations. This inhibition seems to be due to the structural similarity of the ethylenimonium derivatives with choline and acetylcholine. A list of enzyme systems inhibited by nitrogen mustards is given.
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