156-57-0

Toxic by inhalation and ingestion.

Cysteamine is a stable aminothiol with radioprotective activities. It reduces ionizing radiation-induced death and chromosomal damage in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Cysteamine binds rapidly and temporarily to plasma proteins upon administration and this activity is directly correlated to its radioprotective effects. In vitro, 0.1 mM cysteamine depletes 90% of free cystine from cystinotic fibroblasts. Formulations containing cysteamine have been used to treat nephropathic cystinosis and reduce glomerular deterioration in humans.

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Cysteamine hydrochloride is used as an antioxidant and in radiation therapy.

Cysteamine is an aminothiol that can reduce important oxidized disulfide molecules such as cystine to yield cysteine. Cysteamine is used in a wide range of applications from regulation of gene expression, to depletion of somatostatin, to coating of nanoparticles.

Purify the salt by recrystallisation from EtOH. It is freely soluble in H2O and should be stored in a dry atmosphere. [Mills & Bogert J Am Chem Soc 62 1177 1940.] The picrate has m 125-126o; see previous entry for free base. [Beilstein 4 IV 1570.]