The influence of D-penicillamine on enzymatic activities: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Correlation with serum levels measured in humans.

The influence of D-penicillamine on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase of yeast (pure enzyme), human hemolysate, and human skin homogenate were determined. In high concentrations, D-penicillamine inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (concentrations above 6.7 mmol/l, i. e. l g/l). In low concentrations, D-penicilliamine exerts an indirect influence by removing some inhibiting metal ions, such as zinc. In human skin homogenates, an activating action of D-penicillamine on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity occurs due to the chelation of metal ions.