Possible interrelations of acetyl-homocysteine-thiolactone in mechanisms of lipofuscinogenesis.

The administration of acetyl-homocysteine-thiolactone (cythiolone) to Torpedo marmorata inhibits the production of neuronal lipofuscin. The possible mechanism of this action has been investigated. A free radical scavenger effect of the drug has been demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. Cythiolone is able to activate the enzyme superoxide dismutase, while no effect has been detected on catalase activity.