BETA-CYANO-L-ALANINE

Description

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a naturally-occurring gasotransmitter with vasodilator and inflammatory modulating activity. H₂S is synthesized naturally in a range of mammalian tissues principally by the activity of two enzymes, cystathionine γ lyase (CSE) and cystathionine β synthetase (CBS). β-cyano-L-Alanine (BCA) is a reversible inhibitor of the H₂S-synthesizing enzyme CSE. BCA blocks H₂S synthesis in rat liver preparations with an IC₅₀ value of 6.5 μM and increases blood pressure in anaesthetized rats induced with hemorrhagic shock by inhibiting endogenous H₂S synthesis. BCA at 50 mg/kg blocked both L-cysteine- and LPS-induced hyperalgesia in rats.

Chemical Properties

White to off-white powder

Uses

β-L-cyanoalanine is an amino acid that promotes seed germination in A. albus seeds. Beta-Cyano-L-alanine in the diet of adult locusts causes a decrease in the hemolymph volume thereby affecting water balance responses. L-β-cyanoalanine is an inhibitor of vitamin B6.

Definition

ChEBI: A cyanoamino acid that is the 3-cyano-derivative of L-alanine.

Biochem/physiol Actions

β-Cyano-L-alanine (BCA) is used as a cystathione γ-lyase (CSE) inhibitor to study the physiological roles of hydrogen sulfide in processes such as angiogenesis and hypertension.