The inhibition of N-acetyl-β-<scp>d</scp>-glucosaminase by the (1→4)- and (1→5)-lactones of N-acetylglucosaminic acid

The inhibition of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminase activity by 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-gluconolactone was examined. Separation of the (1→4)- and (1→5)-lactones was achieved by using paper chromatography or countercurrent distribution and identification was obtained by examination of the relative stability of the components of separated material. Quantitative measurement of the two lactones was by kinetic titration or by a colorimetric method based on their reaction with hydroxylamine. It was shown that only the (1→5)-lactone acted as an inhibitor of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminase.