Studies with tryptophan metabolites in vitro. Kynurenine metabolism in kidneys of mice infested with Schistosoma mansoni.

The conversion in vitro of kynurenine into kynurenic acid and anthranilic acid in both normal kidneys and those obtained from mice infested with Schistosoma mansoni was investigated. Normal mouse kidneys seem to possess an excess of functional pyridoxal phosphate over those obtained from infested mice. Kynureninase and kynurenine transaminase in the latter kidneys are more easily inhibited by deoxypyridoxal phosphate and tartar emetic, indicating low stores of active pyridoxal phosphate. The possible implication of these findings in relation to the role of the kidneys in producing abnormal patterns of tryptophan metabolism and possibly contributing to the production of bladder tumours in bilharzial patients is discussed.