描述
N-Methylputrescine is a byproduct of putrescine (a diamine), via methylation by putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT; EC 2.1.1.53). N-methylputrescine is able to affect protein synthesis to a small extent in stimulated H-35 hepatoma cells, being an inhibitor of cellular insulin-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity. (PMID: 2051998). Putrescine is related to cadaverine (another polyamine). Both are produced by the breakdown of amino acids in living and dead organisms and both are toxic in large doses. Putrescine and cadaverine are largely responsible for the foul odor of putrefying flesh, but also contribute to the odor of such processes as bad breath and bacterial vaginosis. Putrescine is also found in semen. Putrescine attacks s-adenosyl methionine and converts it to spermidine. Spermidine in turn attacks another s-adenosyl methionine and converts it to spermine. Putrescine is synthesized in small quantities by healthy living cells by the action of ornithine decarboxylase. [HMDB]