Phenacein - an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor produced by a streptomycete. I. Taxonomy, fermentation and biological properties.

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Abstract
Phenacein, 3,6-dihydroxy-1-phenazinecarboxylic acid, was a specific angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor [antihypertensive agent] isolated from a member of the Streptomyces tanashiensis-zaomyceticus group. Phenacein acted as a pure competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 0.58 .mu.M. ACE inhibition could be reversed by Zn2+, but not by Co2+, Ca2+ or Mg2+; therefore, phenacein may chelate the active site Zn of ACE. Zn-containing enzymes were not inhibited at high phenacein concentrations. Phenacein exhibited weak activity against gram-positive bacteria, but was not active against Candida sp. or gram-negative organisms. [Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used.].