Oxalyl-Coenzyme a Synthetase and the Neurotoxin ?-N -Oxalyl-L-?,?-Diaminopropionate

Abstract

Recent reports of the neurotoxic properties (Rao and Sarma 1967) and the powerful central excitant action (Watkins, Curtis, and Biscoe 1966) of {3-N-oxalyl-L-CG,{3-diaminopropionate have prompted an investigation of enzyme activities associated with this and related amino acid derivatives. This communication describes our studies on the oxalyl-coenzyme A synthetase activity in extracts of Lathryus sativus seeds, and the role of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of the several oxalyl derivatives isolated from these seeds. We have been unable to demonstrate this enzyme activity in mammalian central nervous system extracts