Isolation of a Crystalline A14-(N-Methylpyridinium) Derivative of Bovine Insulin

Reaction of insulin with 2-chloro- or 2-iodo-N-methylpyridinium iodide affords, amongst others, an insulin analogue modified at tha A14-tyrosine residue. Degradative procedures which pinpoint the exact position of modification are described. Highest yields of the derivative are obtained using the 2-iodo-N-methylpyridinium iodide as reagent. In the mouse convulsion assay this derivative retains 72% of its activity.