Abstract
Summary
PNMT is inhibited by a number of compounds and ions which occur in adrenal tissue. Removal of some of the inhibitors could be achieved by dialysis of tissue extracts in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol to provide 70% stimulation in activity. Additional 30% enhancement of activity was provided by addition of 20 mM KCN to the dialyzed extracts. Since copper ion, a known inhibitor of the enzyme, is present in the dialyzed extracts it is likely that the effect of KCN involves removal of this and other inhibitory cations. The effect of administration of insulin in providing higher activities of PNMT has been evaluated as one of increased amount of enzyme rather than alterations in activity due to loss from the tissue of the inhibitory catecholamines.
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