Enzymic synthesis of cocarboxylase in animal tissues

Abstract

Liver slices, brei or dispersions from avitaminous pigeons converted added vit. B1 to cocarboxylase to an extent which did not greatly surpass the normal cocarboxylase content of the tissue. Brain and muscle preparations were much less active but, in the former, the observed synthesis completely accounted for the catatorulin effect of vitamin B1. Prepns. from the duodenal mucosa of the pig showed no synthetic activity under various exptl. conditions. The synthesis of cocarboxylase was independent on an active respiration and was highest at alkaline reactions (pH 8.5); it was inhibited by iodoacetic acid but not much affected by NaF.