Inhibition of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase by swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid isolated from Swainsona canescens.

ABSTRACT: An indolizidine alkaloid (swainsonine) was isolated from the plant Swainsona canescens. Swainsonine is a specific and potent inhibitor of alpha-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.24) and when administered to animals produces a phenocopy of the genetically based lysosomal storage disease, mannosidosis. Evidence is presented to suggest that swainsonine is a reversible active site-directed inhibitor of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase.

SUBMITTER: Dorling PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1162258 | biostudies-other | 1980 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other