title: Bio-inorganic effects of D-penicillamine in children and in the elderly.
abstract: The principle mechanisms of action of dimethylcysteine (D-penicillamine) are thiazolidine formation, sulphhydryl -disulphide exchange, chelation and superoxide dismutase-like activity; as a consequence, it can enter into many varied biological interactions. Thiazolidine formation with maturing collagen makes D-penicillamine potentially teratogenic; sulphhydryl -disulphide exchange allows the formation of a mixed disulphide with L-cysteine from the L-cystine dimer; chelation permits it to bind metals such as copper; and superoxide scavenging makes it theoretically capable of influencing the inflammatory response of specific cell systems. Not surprising, D-penicillamine is of value in the treatment of cystinuria, Wilson's disease, juvenile rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis and various other conditions.
mesh_terms: D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D000368:Aged; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000188:drug therapy; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D003555:Cystinuria / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000188:drug therapy; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D010396:Penicillamine