2-propyl-1-aminopentane, its deamination by monoamine oxidase and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase, conversion to valproic acid and behavioral effects.

2-Propyl-1-aminopentane (2-PAPN), a branched aliphatic amine, was found to be readily deaminated by monoamine oxidase B in the liver of the rat and semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase in the aorta of the rat. The deaminated product, 2-propyl-1-pentaldehyde, could be subsequently converted to valproic acid in the presence of aldehyde dehydrogenase and beta-NAD cofactor in vitro as well as in vivo. Valproic acid was identified after derivatization with 4-bromomethyl-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, followed by HPLC-fluorometric assessment. Absorption and biotransformation of a single intraperitoneal dose of 2-PAPN resulted in the rapid appearance of the drug and its metabolite in the blood and in the brain. The formation of valproic acid from 2-PAPN in vivo, however, was insufficient to facilitate anticonvulsant action. In fact, 2-PAPN itself, at relatively small doses, exhibited distinct tremor effects. Such tremor effects could be prevented by valproic acid. However, 2-PAPN was also found to potentiate the convulsant effect induced by mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and, in addition, the 2-PAPN-induced tremor could be potentiated by MPA in mice.