DECREASE OF POLYAMINE LEVELS IN RAT-TISSUES BY 5-HEXYNE-1,4-DIAMINE, AN ENZYME-ACTIVATED IRREVERSIBLE INHIBITOR OF ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE

1. 5-Hexyne-1,4-diamine (RMI 71696), an enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.17) in vitro, causes a rapid, long-lasting, dose-dependent decrease of ornithine decarboxylase activity in prostate and to a lesser extent in thymus and testis of rats when injected intraperitoneally. 2. 5-Hexyne-1,4-diamine activates S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.50) in vitro, analogously to putrescine. 3. Three doses of 100 mg/kg 5-hexyne-1, 4-diamine given to rats during a 24 hr period markedly decrease putrescine concentrations in prostate, thymus and testis and spermidine concentrations in prostate. © 1979.