L-Penicillamine and rat liver transaminase activity

Abstract

Addition of l-penicillamine to liver transaminase systems in vitro causes an inhibition of enzyme activity. The inhibitory effect can be reversed by the addition of increasing amounts of pyridoxal 5-phosphate. Data are presented to indicate a chemical combination between l-penicillamine and pyridoxal 5-phosphate at pH 7.4. The inhibitory effect of l-penicillamine in vitro and in vivo is dependent upon the presence of both a free sulfhydryl and amino group in the penicillamine molecule.