Molybdenum(V) e.p.r. signals obtained from xanthine oxidase on reduction with aldehyde substrates and with 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-formylpteridine.

2-Amino-4-hydroxy-6-formylpteridine, a known 'slow' substrate and inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, is unusual in that it gives rise under suitable conditions to all types of molybdenum(V) e.p.r. signals obtainable from the enzyme, namely Very Rapid, Rapid, Inhibited and Slow. The Very Rapid signal appears in a slightly modified form. The Inhibited signal, originally thought to be unique to reaction of methanol or of formaldehyde with xanthine oxidase, is now shown to be obtainable with several other aldehydes. These include, in addition to 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-formylpteridine, acetaldehyde and glycoaldehyde. Parameters of the signals, obtained with the help of computer simulations, are presented. The appearance of Very Rapid and of Inhibited signals with these additional substrates may be of importance in elucidating the structure of the enzyme active centre. In agreement with previous work, the Very Rapid signal is attributed to an obligatory intermediate in turnover. On the other hand, the Inhibited signal is attributed to a side reaction, presumably inhibitory in nature, occurring during the catalytic process.