Interrelationship of tryptophan pyrrolase with tyrosinase in melanogenesis of Bufo melanostictus.

ABSTRACT

Tryptophan pyrrolase, a microsomal enzyme responsible for the break-down of tryptophan, has been detected in Bufo melanostictus. The enzyme has been found to be deactivated under influence of antivitiligo drug psoralene and activated by hydroquinone, an inhibitor of tyrosinase. Tryptophan pyrrolase has been found to have an antagonistic relationship with tyrosinase in Bufo melanostictus. The implication of the results has been discussed in relation to melanogenesis in vitiligo.