Differential inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory control by N-1-substituted, 3-,4-substituted pyridinium halides.

Several N-1-alkyl-, 3-, and 4-carbamidopyridinium halides were synthesized and determined to be inhibitors of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. L-Glutamate respiration was most depressed by N-1-dodecylpyridinium bromide whereas succinate respiration was most depressed by N-1-dodecylisonicotinamide bromide. Combination of inhibitors with mitochondrial sites may involve lipophilic interactions as modified by steric restrictions.