The Sethyl
analog of methionine. It is a carcinogen and hepatotoxic
agent once proposed as an antineoplastic agent. It inhibits the
incorporation of methionine and glycine into proteins and substitutes
for methionine in transmethylation reactions, the ethyl
group appearing in the products in place of the methyl groups
of methionine (e.g., ethylcholine is formed instead of choline).
Ethionine is currently used only as an experimental compound
in studies of hepatotoxicity and methionine metabolism and
nutrition.
DL-Ethionine is used as a dietary supplement to accelerate cholangiocarcinogenesis in vivo. It is also used to induce oxidative stress in liver to study the levels and activities of anti-oxidative enzymes and compounds such as glutathione.
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ChEBI: A non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid that is methionine in which the S-methyl group is replaced by an S-ethyl group.
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White crystalline flakes.
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Slightly soluble in water.
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A synthetic thio-substituted amino acid.
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ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition DL-ETHIONINE emits toxic fumes of NOx and SOx.
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Flash point data for DL-ETHIONINE are not available; however, DL-ETHIONINE is probably combustible.
Safety Profile
Mddly toxic by
ingestion and intraperitoneal routes.
Suspected carcinogen with experimental
carcinogenic and tumorigenic data. An
experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data
reported. When heated to decomposition it
emits toxic fumes of SOx and NOx.
