The synthesis of fluorocitric acid and its inhibition in acetate

Abstract

The effect of acetate in vitro on the synthesis of fluorocitric acid from fluoroacetate by particulate preparations from the guinea-pig kidney was examined. Estimation of fluorocitric acid formed was made by 2 independent enzymic methods, with kidney and brain "particles" respectively. Both methods are in agreement in establishing that the presence of acetate in much lower concentrations than that of the fluoroacetate inhibits the synthesis of fluorocitric acid. Since there is evidence that the usual acetate-activating systems do not activate fluoroacetate, that activation concerned here must take place on some independent center. In animals that are not protected by acetate, this substance must fail to penetrate to the active centers in vivo.