The Dimerization of Insulin.

Abstract

The dimerization of insulin has been investigated by determinations of the molecular weight of insulin which has been treated with silver ions, and of insulin treated with cyanide. It is shown that silver ions prevent the formation of the dimer and that the addition of cyanide results in a reversal of the dimerization. In conclusion it is proposed that the dimerization of insulin proceeds by a disulfide interchange mechanism. The silver-insulin compound has been shown to be biologically active with a slightly prolonged effect.