Chemical basis for pharmacological and therapeutic actions of penicillamine.

The pharmacological and therapeutic action of penicillamine are very largely explained by its ability to chelate metal ions and take part in oxidation-reduction reactions, sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange, and nucleophilic addition. Effects of penicillamine on particular enzymes are explained by its chemical properties. Possible interactions with amino acids, tissue proteins, food constituents, and intermediates in the metabolism and biosynthesis of sulfur containing amino acids are discussed.