Formation of quaternary amines by N-methylation of azaheterocycles with homogeneous amine N-methyltransferases

Biochem Pharmacol. 1988 May 1;37(9):1673-7. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(88)90426-1.

Abstract

Catalytic activities of two amine N-methyltransferases were documented for the following azaheterocycles: isomeric phenyl- and bispyridyls; 2-, 3- and 4-mono-substituted pyridines; and a miscellaneous group of azaheterocycles that included mono- and diazabenzenes and mono- and diazanaphthalenes. The broad substrate specificities of the two amine N-methyltransferases for primary and secondary amines are here extended to a large number of aromatic azaheterocycles in which N-methylation results in the formation of quaternary ammonium metabolites. Pyridine was the best substrate for both enzymes. Substitution in the ring at the 2-position sterically hindered methylation of the pyridyl nitrogen; 2-phenylpyridine and 2,2'-bispyridyl were not substrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines*
  • Animals
  • Aza Compounds / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / metabolism*
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Methylation
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Pyridines / metabolism
  • Rabbits
  • Substrate Specificity

Substances

  • Amines
  • Aza Compounds
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Pyridines
  • Methyltransferases