Inhibition of adenosine deaminase by deaza derivatives of adenosine and purine riboside.

Deaza analogs of adenosine, where carbon substitutes for nitrogen, are not substrates for adenosine deaminase (adenosine aminohydrolase EC 3.5.4.4); little is reported on their ability to be inhibitors. Among the deaza analogs of adenosine and purine riboside that we have been testing, 1-deazaadenosine proved to be the best inhibitor (Ki = 6.6 X 10(-7)M). 1-deazapurine riboside, 1,3-dedeazadenosine, 3-deazaadenosine have affinity by about two and three order of magnitude lower.