68-94-0

Description

Hypoxanthine is a naturally occurring purine derivative and intermediate in the synthesis of uric acid. It is elevated in the spinal fluid of patients with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, a metabolic disorder whose symptoms include cerebral palsy, cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction, self-mutilation, and hyperuricemia. Injection of hypoxanthine (10 μM) increases succinate dehydrogenase and complex II activities and decreases cytochrome c oxidase activity, resulting in neuroenergetic impairment, ATP depletion, and cellular apoptosis in rat striatum. It is also used to induce hyperuricemia in mice for use in the development of hypouricemic agents.

Chemical Properties

White to off-white powder

Uses

A naturally occurring purine derivative. Pharmaceuticals, Intermediates & Fine Chemicals

Definition

ChEBI: A purine nucleobase that consists of purine bearing an oxo substituent at position 6.

General Description

Hypoxanthine (6-hydroxypurine), a purine derivative is a naturally occurring compound. It is the deaminated form of adenine and a breakdown product of adenosine monophosphate (AMP).

Biochem/physiol Actions

Hypoxanthine?is capable of stimulating cell death. It can also induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). It results in endothelial dysfunction via apoptosis, stimulated by oxidative stress.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. An experimental teratogen. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of Nox

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from hot water and dry it at 105o. [Beilstein 26 II 252, 26 III/IV 2081.]