In vitro inhibition of polyphenylalanine synthesis by bromotrichloromethane. Evidence for an oxidative mechanism.

In vitro, CBrCl3 causes a strong inhibition of phenylalanine incorporation in postmitochondrial supernatant from rat liver. Evidence is given that this inhibition mostly depends on a block of chain initiation. This block seems to be by means of an oxidative mechanism, dependent on the homolytic cleavage of CBrCl3. Some data indicate inhibition is given by free radicals, and not other products coming from the CBrCl3-induced lipid peroxidation.