On the application of thalidomide as a block of functional groups of proteins in histochemical investigations.

An attempt was made to apply thalidomide as a block of functional protein groups in histochemical investigations. It was found that thalidomide slightly oxidizes thyrosine and blocks the SH groups mainly in the cytoplasm of rat liver. Contrary to N-ethyl-maleimide, thalidomide does not block the SH groups irreversible, and they can be reactivated with BAL. It is suggested that the teratogenic effect of thalidomide can be connected with the possibility of inactivation of the SH groups by this compound.