[Metabolism of L-albizziin in rat liver slices]

During incubation of rat liver slices with L-albizziin (L-alpha-amino-beta-ureidopropionic acid) formation of the UV-absorbing compound was observed. This compound was isolated from the incubating medium; it possessed two peaks of maximal absorption--at 206-207 nm and 264-265 nm, but a single minimal value at 242-243 nm. The presence of ribose as a constituent of the UV-absorbing compound was demonstrated. Two possible mechanisms explaining formation of the UV-absorbing compound were proposed: 1) metabolic conversion of L-albizziin, and 2) inhibition of purine biosynthesis de novo. The latter mechanism appears to be more probable.