INFLUENCE OF METHANOL AND ITS METABOLITES ON THE ACTIVITY OF ALPHA(1)-ANTITRYPSIN

Among methanol and its metabolites, formaldehyde was found to have the strongest inactivating effect on the activity of alpha(1)-antitrypsin preparation and inhibitor existing in blood serum. The influence of f ormaldehyde on the activity of serum alpha(1)-antitrypsin is lower in comparison with purified inhibitor. alpha(1)-Antitrypsin modified by f ormaldehyde inactivates the trypsin in its action on the BAPA to a sma ller degree than on the hemoglobin. The effective formaldehyde concent ration in the case of the BAPA is about 64 mM and in the case of the h emoglobin is about 256 mM. The significant inhibitory effect of methan ol on alpha(1)-antitrypsin appears only at a high concentration of thi s compound. Formate does not decrease al-antitrypsin activity. In peop le intoxicated with methanol, alpha(1)-antitrypsin activity decreases, whereas the content of this inhibitor does not change. (C) 1997 Elsev ier Science Inc.