SUPPRESSION OF URIC ACID SYNTHESIS IN THE GOUTY HUMAN BY THE USE OF 6-DIAZO-5-OXO-L-NORLEUCINE*

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Abstract
6-Diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) was administered to 6 gouty patients and 1 patient with renal urate lithiasis and essential hyperuricemia in an attempt to suppress their excessive production of uric acid. Studies performed on 3 patients demonstrated that DON suppressed the incorporation of glycine-1-C14 into urinary uric acid. Balance studies demonstrated that in 2 patients there was a significant decrease in serum urate levels and 24 hour urinary uric acid excretion following the administration of DON. From the above studies, it is concluded that DON suppresses uric acid biosynthesis, but such suppression is not always reflected in a short term balance study, especially in the presence of an expanded urate pool. The high incidence of side effects following DON administration prevents the practical use of this particular drug.