Kitz-Wilson Mechanisms of Action of Neostigmine and Penicillin

摘要

The molecular mechanism of penicillin action is closely analogous to that of neostigmine. Both drugs react covalentlywith the active-site serine of their target enzymes. In both cases, the susceptible enzymes self-catalyze their inactivationby their respective drugs. Kinetic analysis of cholinesterase by Richard J. Kitz and Irwin B. Wilson helped to establishthat concept. Neostigmine and penicillin are kindred examples of mechanism-based enzyme inhibition, a generallyimportant phenomenon in pharmacology and physiology.