Kitz-Wilson Mechanisms of Action of Neostigmine and Penicillin

Abstract

The molecular mechanism of penicillin action is closely analogous to that of neostigmine. Both drugs react co- valently with the active-site serine of their target enzymes. In both cases, the susceptible enzymes self-catalyze their inac- tivation by their respective drugs. Kinetic analysis of cholinesterase by Richard J. Kitz and Irwin B. Wilson helped to es- tablish that concept. Neostigmine and penicillin are kindred examples of mechanism-based enzyme inhibition, a generally important phenomenon in pharmacology and physiology.