STUDIES ON THE INHIBITION OF MELANIN FORMATION

[摘要] Tyrosinase extracts prepared from mouse melanomas of the Cloudman S91 variety were tested in the Warburg respirometer in a melanin-forming system with dopa or tyrosinase as substrates. Various substances were tested for their ability to interfere with the enzyme activity. p-Benzylhydroquinone, a substance known to produce depigmentation in human skin, modified the melanin reaction but the interpretation of its activity as an inhibitor of melanin formation by competition with tyrosine could not be entirely supported. Among various other substances inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine, p-aminobenzoic acid proved to be the most active agent.