Effect of Metal-Complexing Agents on Mucopolysaccharide Sulfate Biosynthesis

A series of substituted salicylates and other structurally unrelated compounds having the common property of metal-ion complexation have been examined for the ability to inhibit the incorporation of sulfate into mucopolysaccharide. Several very potent inhibitors have been found among the mercaptoamines. It may be stated that the course of mucopolysaccharide sulfation is definitely affected by metal-binding agents, generally by inhibition. A close correlation between per cent inhibition of sulfation and metal-binding strength was observed, which establishes that the mode of inhibition is one of metal binding of the metalloenzymes involved in mucopolysaccharide sulfation.