Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the effect of non-iron porphyrins (protoporphyrin IX and haematoporphyrin) on haematin polymerisation to beta-haematin at acidic pH. Both molecules effectively inhibited the reaction, with haematoporphyrin 6 times as active as protoporphyrin IX. We postulated that the interaction between the pi electron system of porphyrin rings leads to the formation of pi-pi adducts, which inhibit polymer elongation in the same way as antimalarial drugs (e.g., chloroquine); the presence of hydroxyl groups able to bind haem iron enhances activity.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00533-4

Type

Journal article

Journal

FEBS letters

Publication Date

06/1997

Volume

409

Pages

297 - 299

Addresses

Instituto di Microbiologia Medica, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.

Keywords

Humans, Malaria, Falciparum, Hematoporphyrins, Hemin, Protoporphyrins, Chloroquine, Polymers, Hemeproteins, Antimalarials, Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, Dimerization