Alpha-Fluoromethylhistidine

Alpha-Fluoromethylhistidine (AFMH) is a fluorinated amino acid that acts as an irreversible and selective inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase, the enzyme responsible for the conversion of histidine to histamine. It was first synthesized in the 1980s and has been used in various scientific research studies to investigate the role of histamine in the body.

Chemistry

AFMH is a derivative of the amino acid histidine, with a fluoromethyl group replacing the imidazole ring's 1-position hydrogen atom. This modification renders the molecule resistant to the action of histidine decarboxylase, allowing it to inhibit the enzyme's activity.

Pharmacology

AFMH is an irreversible inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase, meaning that it permanently deactivates the enzyme. This results in a decrease in the production of histamine, a neurotransmitter involved in a variety of physiological processes, including inflammation, gastric acid secretion, and neurotransmission.

Uses in Research

AFMH has been used in research to study the role of histamine in various physiological and pathological processes. For example, it has been used to investigate the role of histamine in gastric acid secretion, sleep-wake regulation, and the immune response.

Safety

As with all research chemicals, the safety of AFMH for human use has not been fully established. However, in animal studies, it has been shown to be well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects reported.

See Also

• Histidine decarboxylase
• Histamine
• Fluorinated amino acids