Relation Between Structure of Sulfonylurea Compounds and their Effect on Frog Muscle Metabolism. ∗

Abstract

Summary

The effect of sulfonylbutylurea derivatives on frog muscle metabolism depends upon the molecular group substituted on the benzene ring para to the main chain of the molecule. Substitution of an amino group produces an inhibitory compound; absence of any group or substitution of either a methoxy or a carboxyl radical produces a compound with little or no effect. Substitution of a methyl, ethyl, isopropyl or tertiary butyl radical produces compounds that are increasingly effective in stimulating glycolysis and oxygen consumption. These effects are similar to those caused in frog muscle by caffeine although, unlike caffeine, the sulfonylbutylurea derivatives apparently exert their effects without causing contracture.