Nitrofuran inhibition of yeast and rat tissue glutathione reductases: Structure-activity relationships

Nitrofuran derivatives bearing unsaturated five- or six-membered nitrogen heterocycles or related substituents were more effective inhibitors of yeast and rat tissue glutathione reductases than those bearing other groups, such as nifurtimox, nitrofurazone and 5-nitro-2-furoic acid. The inhibitory action proved independent of electron withdrawal from the reduced enzyme, as a consequence of redoxcycling of the nitro group. Uncompetitive kinetics was obtained with nitrofurantoin and nifurtimox. Most of the assayed nitrofurans inhibited the yeast enzyme Coenzyme A glutathione disulfide reductase activity, though less than oxidized glutathione reduction. The transhydrogenase activity was not inhibited to a significant degree. Benznidazole (a 2-nitroimidazole derivative), 2-nitroimidazole, 5-nitroindole and chloramphenicol did not inhibit glutathione reductase. Under the same experimental conditions, liver glutathione peroxidase was not affected by the nitro compounds.