Comparison of the inhibitory effects of borate, germanate, tellurate, arsenite and arsenate on 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase

IRG/WP 1508

J D Lloyd, D J Dickinson

Sodium borate inhibits the enzymatic activity of many dehydrogenases, and it is thought that this is due to the complexation of the borate anion with the coenzyme nucleotide. It has been suggested in the past that complexation of this type, leading to enzyme inhibition and other biological effects, is responsible for the inhibition of fungal growth and consequently the protection of boron treated timber. Other ions that have the ability to complex with polyols were investigated for possible dehydrogenase inhibition using 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. Inhibition was found to be caused by compounds of germanium, tellurium and arsenic. The results have been used to further develop our understanding of the mechanisms of action of borates as wood preservatives, and may have important implications.


Keywords: 6-PHOSPHOGLUCONATE DEHYDROGENASE; ARSENIC TRIOXIDE; BORIC ACID; ENZYMES; GERMANIUM ETHOXIDE; POTASSIUM ARSENATE; TELLURIC ACID

Conference: 91-05-20/24 Kyoto, Japan


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