Studies on the mechanism of experimental porphyria produced by 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Role of a porphyrin-like inhibitor of protohaem ferro-lyase.

A green porphyrin-like pigment with inhibitory properties towards protohaem ferro-lyase activity was isolated from the livers of mice and rats after treatment with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine. Mice, which are more sensitive to the porphyrogenic properties of the drug, produce more inhibitor. The non-porphyrogenic analogue 3,5-diethoxycarbonylcollidine does not cause accumulation of the pigment in the liver. The inhibitory substance is present in control liver at low but measurable concentrations.