Action of Suramin and ‘Antrycide’ on Enzymes

Abstract

RECENTLY^1,2 we described the inhibitory effect of the trypanocidal drug, suramin, on certain enzymes. Hexokinase, urease, yeast decarboxylase, succinic dehydrogenase and trypsin are all strongly inhibited by concentrations of suramin similar to those maintained in the blood plasma of man and other animals for at least several hours after the intravenous injection of a normal dose (1–2 gm.) of the drug. For example, M/10,000 and M/20,000 suramin give respectively 100 and 75 per cent inhibition of the action of hexokinase, and, with low substrate concentrations, M/10,000 suramin inhibits the hydrolysis of casein by trypsin to the extent of 56 per cent.