L-Ornithine decarboxylase:an essential role in early mammalian embryogenesis

Science. 1980 May 2;208(4443):505-8. doi: 10.1126/science.6768132.

Abstract

The highly selective, enzyme-activated, irreversible inhibitor of L-ornithine decarboxylase, DL-alpha-difluoromethylornithine, suppresses the increase in uterine L-ornithine decarboxylase activity associated with early embryogenesis in the mouse and arrests embryonic development at that stage. Contragestational effects were confirmed in the rat and rabbit. An increase in L-ornithine decarboxylase activity that leads to a rapid increase in putrescine concentration appears to be essential during a critical period after implantation for continued mammalian embryonal growth.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Carboxy-Lyases / physiology*
  • Eflornithine
  • Embryo, Mammalian / drug effects
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Mice
  • Ornithine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ornithine / pharmacology
  • Ornithine Decarboxylase / physiology*
  • Ornithine Decarboxylase Inhibitors
  • Polyamines / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Uterus / drug effects
  • Uterus / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ornithine Decarboxylase Inhibitors
  • Polyamines
  • Ornithine
  • Carboxy-Lyases
  • Ornithine Decarboxylase
  • Adenosylmethionine Decarboxylase
  • Eflornithine