Photo-induced processes in vitamin B6 compounds

Chem Biodivers. 2004 Jul;1(7):1073-90. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.200490080.

Abstract

In this work, we applied multi-wavelength stopped-flow spectroscopy (MSFS) to study the chemical equilibria between tautomeric or hydrated forms of various vitamin B6 compounds and the Schiff base formed by epsilon-aminocaproic acid (= 6-aminohexanoic acid) with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate at 25 degrees and variable pH. Since some of these compounds are photosensitive, we analyzed the possible occurrence of any secondary photo-induced processes under the conditions of irradiation in the MSFS equipment (continuous irradiation with light from a 75-W Xe lamp spanning the wavelength range of 200-700 nm). To determine the tautomeric composition of these compounds, the electronic absorption spectra were analyzed by means of log-normal curves. Continuous irradiation of pyridoxamine and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate over the wavelength range of 200-700 nm displaces the chemical equilibrium between the tautomeric or hydrated forms of these compounds. However, the Schiff base of epsilon-aminocaproic acid with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate is insensitive to the radiation used. The photo-induced processes detected in pyridoxamine and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate should be taken into account in examining vitamers by MSFS. In fact, these additional processes should be considered in studying the mechanism of action of vitamin B6-dependent enzymes by the MSFS technique, whenever some free vitamer may be present in solution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Light
  • Photochemistry / methods*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet / methods
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Vitamin B 6 / analysis
  • Vitamin B 6 / chemistry*
  • Vitamin B 6 / radiation effects*

Substances

  • Vitamin B 6