Synthesis of selenocystathionamine and preliminary data on its oxidation by diamineoxidase

Details are reported for the synthesis of selenocystathionamine, the 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl selenide, NH2CH2CH2-Se-CH2CH2CH2NH2. Paper and ion exchange chromatographic behaviour of the compound has been investigated. By automated ion exchange chromatography on a sulfonated resin selenocystathionamine may be easily differentiated from cystathionamine, cystamine and selenocystamine. It has been shown that selenocystathionamine is oxidatively deaminated by pig kidney diamineoxidase. Preliminary data indicate that the first product of the reaction is a cyclized aminoaldehyde which then undergoes further degradation.