Description
Spermine is an endogenous polyamine synthesized from the reaction of spermidine with decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine in the presence of the enzyme spermine synthase and is required for eukaryotic cell growth and protein synthesis. Intracellular spermine blocks inward rectifying K
+ channels, whereas extracellular spermine acts as a mixed NMDA glutamate receptor agonist/antagonist at the polyamine site. Spermine has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects and functions as a free radical scavenger to prevent DNA damage by reactive oxygen species.
Chemical Properties
White to slightly off-white powder crysta
Uses
Biogenic polyamine formed from spermidine and occurring in almost all tissues. Essential for both normal and neoplastic tissue growth. Involved in the modulation of calcium-dependent immune processes
Uses
Binds to the polyamine modulatory site of NMDA Spermine is essential for both normal and neoplastic tissue growth. It is involved in the modulation of calcium-dependent immune processes. It plays an important role in cellular proliferation and differentiation as well as inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).
Definition
ChEBI: A polyazaalkane that is tetradecane in which the carbons at positions 1, 5, 10 and 14 are replaced by nitrogens. Spermine has broad actions on cellular metabolism.
General Description
Spermine?is a polyamine, which functions as a free radical scavenger. It modulates gene expression, chromatin stabilization and prevents DNA damage. Spermine inhibits endonuclease-mediated DNA fragmentation.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Mixed NMDA glutamate receptor agonist/antagonist at the polyamine site. Neuroprotective effects have been observed at high concentrations (1 mM), while neurotoxicity is observed at lower concentrations. It enhances agonist effectiveness at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site. Plays a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation; inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).
References
[1] fakler b, brndle u, glowatzki e, et al. strong voltage-dependent inward rectification of inward rectifier k+ channels is caused by intracellular spermine[j]. cell, 1995, 80(1): 149-154.
[2] til h p, falke h e, prinsen m k, et al. acute and subacute toxicity of tyramine, spermidine, spermine, putrescine and cadaverine in rats[j]. food and chemical toxicology, 1997, 35(3): 337-348.
