Inhibition of β-glucuronidase by 2-diarylmethyl- 1,3-indandiones

The effects of several 2-diarylmethyl- 1,3-indandiones on the activity of β-glucuronidase from different rat and bovine tissues was examined. 2-Benzhydryl-1.3-indandione appeared to be a potent inhibitor of β-glucuronidase whereas this compound did not affect some other lysosomal enzymes such as. acid phosphatase and some glycosidases. Small alterations of the molecular structure caused a loss of inhibitory activity. Introduction of substituents into the phenyl rings usually lowered the inhibitory activity and bulky substituents were very unfavourable. The inhibition could be correlated with physicochemical parameters, and both steric effects and lipophilicity appeared important. Electronic effects were of little consequence. The inhibition was uncompelitive and not related to anticoagulant activity.