Effect of Two Lathyrogens on Cytochrome Oxidase in Cultures of the Strain L Fibroblast. ∗

Summary

An attempt was made in this experiment to assess the proposed relationship of cytochrome oxidase inhibition to the production of lathyrism, an experimental disorder of connective tissue. Ammoacetonitrile, a potent lathyrogen, does not inhibit cytochrome oxidase in cultures of L-cells unless allowed to deteriorate in solution. Beta-aminopropionitrile, a widely used lathyrogen, does not inhibit cytochrome oxidase in cultures of L-cells, and does not appear to yield deterioration products in solution capable of inhibiting the enzyme. This discrepancy in enzyme inhibitory capability, at concentrations of the two compounds which are approximately equivalent lathyrogenically and which exert a cytotoxic effect on L-cells, casts doubt on the proposed relationship.