Some pharmacological implications of MAO-mediated deamination of branched aliphatic amines: 2-propyl-1-aminopentane and N-(2-propylpentyl)glycinamide as valproic acid precursors.

Abstract

2-Propyl-1-aminopentane (2-PAP) and N-(2-propylpentyl)glycinamide (PPG) were readily deaminated by rat liver monoamine oxidase B and rat aorta semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase. The deaminated product, valproic acid (VPA), was identified by HPLC-fluorometric assessment. Absorption and biotransformation of these compounds and their VPA metabolite into the brain were rapid processes. An investigation was conducted to examine whether these compounds can be used as VPA prodrugs. Both compounds, however, at relatively low doses exhibited distinct tremor effects in mice and rats. They also potentiate the convulsant effect induced by mercaptopropionic acid (MPA).