Evaluación comparativa de efectividad y tolerabilidad con polietilenglicol y picosulfato de sodio-citrato de magnesio como agentes de preparación intestinal para colonoscopia / Comparative evaluation of effectiveness and tolerability with polyethylene glycol and sodium picosulfate-magnesium citrate as intestinal preparation agents for colonoscopy

Resumen Introducción La efectividad de la colonoscopia depende de múltiples factores, destacando la calidad de preparación intestinal y la tolerabilidad que tenga el paciente a la preparación administrada. Objetivo Comparar dos agentes de preparación intestinal, el polietilenglicol (PEG) y el picosulfato de sodiocitrato de magnesio (PSCM) en términos de efectividad y tolerabilidad de la preparación. Pacientes y Método Ensayo clínico aleatorizado en pacientes ambulatorios sometidos a colonoscopia en Clínica INDISA. Evaluando efectividad y tolerabilidad con el Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS) y cuestionario de Lawrence [compuesto por escala Likert, dos preguntas cualitativas y escala visual análoga (EVA)], respectivamente. Resultados 189 pacientes, de los cuales 123 se aleatorizaron a PEG y 66 a PSCM. El BBPS en los pacientes que utilizaron PEG, la media fue 7,51 (DS 1,66) y con PSCM fue 7,12 (DS 1,71) (p = 0,111). Al analizar la tolerabilidad con escala Likert, la media con PEG fue 0,94 (DS 0,68) y con PSCM fue 0,63 (DS 0,61) (p = 0,0004). La EVA con PEG tuvo una media de 7,68 (DS 2,4) y con PSCM de 9,04 (DS 1,59) (p < 0,0001). Al preguntar ausentismo laboral, no hubo diferencias significativas en ambos grupos y al preguntar si ocuparía la misma preparación en una futura colonoscopia, hubo significancia estadística a favor del PSCM (p = 0,026). Conclusión No encontramos diferencias en la efectividad de preparación intestinal al comparar PEG y PSCM, sin embargo, el PSCM es mejor tolerado.

Introduction The effectiveness of colonoscopy depends on multiple factors, being two of the most important ones an adequate bowel preparation and the patient's tolerability to the preparation. Objectives Compare effectiveness and tolerability of two bowel preparation agents, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (SPMC). Patients and Methods Randomized clinical trial on outpatients that went into colonoscopy in INDISA Clinic. We evaluated effectiveness and tolerability with Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS) and Lawrence questionnaire [composed by Likert scale, two qualitative questions and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain], respectively. Results 189 patients, 123 were randomized to PEG and 66 to SPMC. BBPS average in patients in the PEG branch was 7.51 (SD 1.66) and for SPMC 7.12 (SD 1.71) (p = 0.111). Likert scale for evaluating tolerability average for PEG was 0.94 (SD 0.68) and for SPMC 0.63 (SD 0.61) (p = 0.0004). VAS scale for PEG had an average of 7.68 (SD 2.4) and for PSCM 9.04 (SD 1.59) (p < 0.0001). When we asked for workplace absenteeism, there were no significant differences between both groups and when we asked about using the same intestinal preparation in a future colonoscopy there was statistical significance in favor to SPMC (p = 0.026). Conclusions No differences were noted on effectiveness between the PEG and SPMC bowel preparations. Nevertheless, SPMC appeared to be better tolerated by patients.

Estudio comparativo entre el uso de manitol y el picosulfato sódico como preparación para colonoscopía / Comparison of colon-cleansing methods in preparation for colonoscopy- comparative of solutions of mannitol and sodium picosulfate

Objetivos: El objetivo del presente estudio es comparar la preparación adecuada del colon con manitol y picosulfato sódico. Evaluar la aceptación de los pacientes, los efectos secundarios y la capacidad de limpieza. Materiales y métodos: Este es un estudio no aleatorio, prospectivo, ciego, en que el evaluador no tenía información sobre la preparación aplicada. La muestra obtenida se dividió en dos grupos de acuerdo con la preparación adecuada del colon, con 153 pacientes preparados con manitol al 10% y 84 pacientes con picosulfato sódico. La evaluación de la preparación se realizó usando la Escala de Boston (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale - BBP) a través de un sistema de puntuación para cada región del colon puntuada con 3 puntos: derecha, izquierda y colon transverso. Resultados: De los 237 pacientes que fueron evaluados, 146 (61,60%) eran mujeres y 91 (38,4%) eran hombres. En el grupo que utilizó manitol, 98 (64,05%) eran mujeres y 55 (35,95%) eran varones. Entre los pacientes que utilizaron picosulfato sódico, 48 (57,14%)eran mujeres y 36 (42,86%) eran hombres, sin diferencias estadísticas de ambos grupos (p>0,32). Teniendo en cuenta que con la adecuada preparación del colon y con puntuación de 6 puntos en la Escala de Boston, la preparación intestinal fue satisfactoria en ambos grupos. El 93% de los pacientes que utilizaron manitol y el 81% de los pacientes que utilizaron picosulfato sódico tenían preparación adecuada (puntuación de 6). La puntuación media en la preparación con manitol fue de 9 y en la preparación con picosulfato sódico fue de 7. No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: Ambas preparaciones, demostraron ser seguras y eficaces para la limpieza del intestino, de acuerdo con la Escala de Boston, así como, la aceptabilidad de los pacientes y libre de complicaciones

Objectives: The purpose of the present study is to compare intestinal preparation with mannitol and sodium picosulphate, assessing patient’s acceptance, side effects and cleaning capacity. Material and methods: This is a prospective, nom randomized, blind study, in which the evaluator had no information about the preparation applied. The sample obtained was divided into two groups according to the bowel preparation applied, with 153 patients prepared with 10% mannitol and 84 patients with sodium picosulfate. The evaluation of colon preparation was done using the Boston Scale (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale - BBP) through a three-point scoring system for each of the three regions of the colon: right, left and transverse colon. Results: Of the 237 patients that were evaluated, 146 (61.60%) were female and 91 (38.4%) were male. Regarding the group that used mannitol, 98 were female (64.05%) and 55 were male (35.95%). Among the patients who used sodium picosulfate, 48 were female (57.14%) and 36 were male (42.86%), with no statistical differences between both groups (p> 0.32). Considering that an adequate preparation scores ≥ 6 in the Boston Scale, the bowel cleansing preparation was satisfactory in both groups. 93% of the patients who used mannitol and 81% of the patients who used sodium picosulfate had adequate preparation (score of ≥ 6). Moreover, we consider that the average score in the preparation with Mannitol was 9, while the sodium picosulfate score was 7. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: There is consensus among authors who state that colonoscopy’s safety and success are highly related to the cleansing outcome, regardless of the method used. The same can be observed in the present study, on which both preparations were proved safe and effective for bowel cleansing, according to the Boston scale, as well as accepted by patients and free of complications

Sodium Picosulfate with Magnesium Citrate (SPMC) Plus Laxative Is a Good Alternative to Conventional Large Volume Polyethylene Glycol in Bowel Preparation: A Multicenter Randomized Single-Blinded Trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated whether sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate (SPMC) plus bisacodyl compares favorably with conventional polyethylene glycol (PEG) with respect to bowel cleansing adequacy, compliance, and safety. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective, single-blinded study in outpatients undergoing daytime colonoscopies. Patients were randomized into a split preparation SPMC/bisacodyl group and a conventional split PEG group. We compared preparation adequacy using the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), ease of use using a modified Likert scale (LS), compliance/satisfaction level using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and safety by monitoring adverse events during the colonoscopy between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 365 patients were evaluated by intention to treat (ITT) analysis, and 319 were evaluated by per protocol (PP) population analysis (153 for SPMC/bisacodyl, 166 for PEG). The mean total BBPS score was not different between the two groups in both the ITT and PP analyses (p>0.05). The mean VAS score for satisfaction and LS score for the ease of use were higher in the SPMC/bisacodyl group (p<0.001). The adverse event rate was lower in the SPMC/bisacodyl group than in the PEG group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The SPMC/bisacodyl treatment was comparable to conventional PEG with respect to bowel preparation adequacy and superior with respect to compliance, satisfaction, and safety.

The Evolution of Bowel Preparation and New Developments / 대한소화기학회지

Bowel preparation is essential for successful colonoscopy examination, and the most important factor is the bowel preparation agent used. However, selection of a bowel preparation agent invariably involves compromise. Originally, bowel preparation was performed for radiologic and surgical purposes, when the process involved dietary limitations, cathartics, and enemas, which had many side effects. Development of polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution led to substantive advancement of bowel preparation; however, despite its effectiveness and safety, the large volume involved, and its salty taste and unpleasant odor reduce compliance. Accordingly, modified PEG solutions requiring consumption of lower volumes and sulfate-free solutions were developed. Aqueous sodium phosphate is more effective and better tolerated than PEG solutions; however, fatal complications have occurred due to water and electrolyte shifts. Therefore, aqueous sodium phosphate was withdrawn by the US Food and Drug Administration, and currently, only sodium phosphate tablets remain available. In addition, oral sulfate solution and sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate are also available, and various studies have reported on adjunctive preparations, such as hyperosmolar or stimulant laxatives, antiemetics, and prokinetics, which are now in various stages of development.

Near-infrared fluorescent zinc-dipicolylamine: a new molecular imaging probe to monitor the efficiency of chemotherapy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the feasibility of a novel molecular probe of Zn-DPA-PSS794 to monitor the efficiency of doxorubicin to ovarian cancer and compare with Cy5.5-annexin V.@*METHODS@#Efficiency of doxorubicin to OVCAR-8 cells in vitro was measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The in vivo studies were performed on an OVCAR-8 xenograft tumor model. Mice were divided into a control group and a treatment group. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups, DPA and annexin V. In the treatment group, the mice were treated with doxorubicin for 2 doses. All mice were performed optical imaging by Zn-DPA-PSS794 or Cy5.5-annexin V, respectively and then sacrificed. The tumor was separated and stained by HE. The expression of caspase-3 protein was measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#The IC50 of doxorubicin to OVCAR-8 was 6 μmol/L. The percentage of apoptosis and dead cells was 35% after doxorubicin treatment. In the optical image, photons accumulated in the tumor either by Zn-DPA-PSS794 or Cy 5.5-annexin V in the treatment group. That was negative in the control group. The fluorescence intensity had significant difference between the 2 groups(P<0.001). The nuclei were big and stained with deep color after the cells were stained with HE. The caspase-3 expression was high in the treatment group, while it was low in the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Zn-DPA-PSS794 as a probe used by optical imaging can monitor the efficiency of doxorubicin to OVCAR-8 xenograft tumor, which is similar to Cy5.5-annexin V.

Effect of chromium- picolinat on biochemical and histopathological altrations in rats

Chromium III tris [picolinate] [Cr[pie][3]ps a popular nutritional supplement; however its safety has been questioned, especially with regard to its ability to act as a clastogen. The aim of the preset work was to evaluate the biochemical and moiph01gicd changes in the liver following oral administration of Cr-picolinate and the possible protective effect of ascorbic acid [vitamin C] in rats. Fifty male Sprague Dawly rats were divided into five groups included the control group, the rest four groups treated orally with picolinte [0.8 and 1.5 mg 7100 g b. w] alone or in combination with Vitamin C [0.5 mg 7100 g b. w] for 8 weeks. The results indicated that animals treated with Cr-picolinate alone at the high dose level [1.5 mg/100 g b.w] showed a significant decrease in reduced glutathione [GSH] level and activity of glutathione peroxidase [GPx] in liver homogenate or blood accompanied with a significant increase in serum sFas; 8-hydroxy-2 -deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde [MDA] levels.The hepatocytes showed some degenerative changes in the form of swollen cells and degenerating nuclei, yet some cells showed regeneration by division of their nuclei The methyl green pyronin [MGP] stain showed less level of DNA in the nuclei, the cells appeared swollen and fused in some areas. It could be concluded that consumption of Cr-picolinate for a long time is contributing to health hazards and induced several hazards to liver. Supplementation with extra amounts of vitamin C may be useful to restrain the chromium-induced biochemical and morphological changes to the liver. It is believed that oxidative stress due to Cr- picolinate is a factor contributing to this health hazards

Comparison of colon-cleansing methods in preparation for colonoscopy - Comparative efficacy of solutions of mannitol, sodium picosulfate and monobasic and dibasic sodium phosphates / Estudo comparativo entre as soluções de manitol, picossulfato de sódio e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio no preparo de cólon para colonoscopia

PURPOSE: Colonoscopy plays an essential role in the therapeutic and diagnostic approach in various colonic pathologies, the aim of the present study was to compare three solutions and their efficacy for the bowel preparation in adult patients submitted to elective colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Each group was submitted to a bowel preparation with one of the following solutions: 10 percent manitol, sodium picosulphate or sodium phosphate. The parameters evaluated were: taste, tolerance, associated side effects and quality of cleansing. Postural blood pressure and pulse rate as well as serum sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate were compared. RESULTS: Sodium phosphate and 10 percent manitol solutions provided superior results in terms of colon cleansing compared to sodium picosulphate solution. All serum electrolytes evaluated were significantly altered in the three groups, without important clinical signs. DISCUSSION: High levels of serum phosphate were the most striking alteration in patients prepared with sodium phosphate solution, again with no clinical signs. Variations related to blood pressure and pulse rate suggested contraction of intravascular volume, with no clinical effects. CONCLUSION: Sodium phosphate and 10 percent manitol solutions are equivalent in providing good quality colon cleansing, with no significant side effects that could compromise the procedure.

INTRODUÇÃO: A colonoscopia é exame fundamental na avaliação das doenças do cólon e na abordagem terapêutica de determinado grupo de patologias. O preparo intestinal é obrigatório para a realização das colonoscopias eletivas, e a qualidade encontra-se relacionada ao sucesso do procedimento. Comparou-se três soluções para limpeza anterógrada do cólon em pacientes adultos, submetidos à colonoscopia. METODOS: Sessenta pacientes foram distribuídos em três grupos de vinte. Cada grupo realizou o preparo do cólon com uma das três soluções estudadas: manitol a 10 por cento (MN), picossulfato sódico (PS) e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio (NaP). O sabor, a tolerância, os efeitos colaterais, os custos e a qualidade de limpeza do preparo foram avaliados. Frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial sistêmica foram analisados. Variações dos eletrólitos foram dosados antes e após o preparo. RESULTADOS: Os resultados foram semelhantes em relação aos efeitos colaterais. O sabor da solução de NaP não chegou a comprometer a sua aceitação. DISCUSSÃO: Soluções de NaP e MN proporcionaram resultados superiores tanto em qualidade de limpeza colônica, como em relação aos custos, quando comparadas à solução de PS. CONCLUSÃO: Comparados os três, os eletrólitos avaliados apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo a hiperfosfatemia dos pacientes com a solução de NaP, a mais importante.

Randomized clinical trial comparing sodium picosulfate with mannitol on the preparation FOR colonoscopy in hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND: The cleansing of the colon for a colonoscopy exam must be complete so as to allow the visualization and inspection of the intestinal lumen. The ideal cleansing agent should be easily administered, have a low cost, and minimum collateral effects. Sodium picosulfate together with the magnesium citrate is a cathartic stimulant and mannitol is an osmotic laxative, both usually used for this purpose. AIMS: Assess the colon cleanliness comparing the use of mannitol and sodium picosulfate as well as evaluate the level of patient satisfaction, the presence of foam, pain, and abdominal distension in hospitalized patients undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, single-blind study with 80 patients that compared two groups: mannitol (40) and sodium picosulfate (40). Both groups received the same dietary orientation. The study was approved by the hospital’s Ethics and Research Committee. The endoscopist was blind to the type of preparation. Outcomes evaluated: level of the colon’s cleanliness, patient’s satisfaction, the presence of foam, abdominal pain and distension, and the duration of the exam. The data was analyzed by means of the chi-squared test for proportions and Mann-Whitney for independent samples. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in relation to the level of the colon’s cleanliness, patient’s satisfaction, the presence of foam, abdominal pain, and the duration of the exam. Fifteen percent of the exams of the mannitol group were interrupted while from the sodium picosulfate group it was 5 percent. The presence of foam was similar for both groups. The average duration for carrying out the exam was 28.44 minutes for the mannitol group and 35.59 minutes for the sodium picosulfate group. Abdominal distension was more frequent in the mannitol group. If they would have to do the same exam, the answer was that 80 percent said yes from the mannitol group and 92.5 percent...

RACIONAL: A limpeza do cólon para o exame de colonoscopia deve ser completa de modo a permitir a visualização e inspeção do lúmen intestinal. O agente de limpeza ideal deveria ser de fácil administração, com baixo custo e com o mínimo de efeitos colaterais. O picosulfato de sódio juntamente com o citrato de magnésio é um estimulante catártico e o manitol é um laxativo osmótico, ambos geralmente utilizados para este propósito. OBJETIVOS: Verificar a limpeza do cólon comparando o uso de manitol e picosulfato de sódio assim como avaliar o nível de satisfação do paciente, presença de espuma, dor e distensão abdominal em pacientes hospitalizados submetidos a colonoscopia. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, simples-cego com 80 pacientes que comparou dois grupos: manitol (40) e picosulfato de sódio (40). Ambos os grupos receberam a mesma orientação dietética. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do hospital e pelo Comitê de Pesquisa. O endoscopista foi cego para o tipo de preparo. Desfechos avaliados: nível de limpeza do cólon, satisfação do paciente, presença de espuma, dor e distensão abdominal e tempo de duração do exame. Os dados foram analisados pelas médias de testes qui-quadrado para proporções e Mann-Whitney para amostras independentes. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação ao nível de limpeza do cólon, satisfação do paciente, presença de espuma, dor abdominal e tempo de exame. Quinze porcento dos exames do grupo manitol foram interrompidos enquanto que grupo picosulfato de sódio foi de 5 por cento. A presença de espuma foi similar em ambos os grupos. A média de duração do exame foi de 28h 44min para o grupo manitol e 35h 59min para o grupo picosulfato de sódio. A distensão abdominal foi mais freqüente no grupo manitol. Se eles tivessem que repetir o exame, a resposta foi de 80 por cento disse sim do grupo manitol e 92,5 por cento do grupo picosulfato de sódio. CONCLUSÕES: A qualidade do...

Preparo intestinal para colonoscopia com picossulfato sódico e citrato de magnésio em crianças e adolescentes / Bowel preparation for colonoscopy with sodium picosulphate and magnesium citrate in children and adolescents

RACIONAL: A eficácia do exame colonoscópico depende diretamente da limpeza colônica. Ao contrário do paciente adulto, há poucos relatos na literatura sobre preparo colônico em crianças. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do preparo colônico à base de picossulfato sódico e citrato de magnésio em crianças e adolescentes. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo aberto, prospectivo e consecutivo em crianças maiores de 1 ano, de ambos os sexos, que realizaram colonoscopia por diferentes indicações. Os pacientes receberam a medicação associada à dieta líquida e pastosa sem resíduos no dia anterior ao exame. A eficácia do preparo foi classificada em: Grau I: ótimo; Grau II: bom; Grau III: regular; Grau IV: ruim. RESULTADOS: A idade variou de 12 meses a 16 anos e 1 mês (mediana: 6 anos e 6 meses), sendo 54,3 por cento do sexo masculino. O preparo foi feito conforme a orientação em 37/46 (80,4 por cento) dos pacientes, sendo que 9 não fizeram a dieta adequadamente e 22/46 (47,8 por cento) referiram efeitos colaterais. A eficácia do preparo foi: GI em 41,3 por cento, GII em 52,2 por cento, GIII em 6,5 por cento e GIV em 0 por cento. CONCLUSAO: Preparo intestinal com picossulfato sódico e citrato de magnésio é eficiente e prático, podendo ser recomendado de rotina nos exames de colonoscopia em crianças e adolescentes.

Estudo comparativo entre as soluções de manitol, picossulfato de sódio e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio no preparo de cólon para colonoscopia / Comparative study among the mannitol, sodium picosulfate and sodium monobasic and dibasic fosfate solutions in preparation of colon for colonoscopy

Atualmente, a colonoscopia é o exame de primeira escolha na avaliação das doenças do cólon, tendo também papel fundamental na abordagem terapêutica de determinado grupo de patologias. O preparo intestinal é etapa obrigatória para a realização das colonoscopias eletivas, e a qualidade deste encontra-se diretamente relacionada ao sucesso do procedimento, seja este diagnóstico ou terapêutico. Foram comparadas três soluções para limpeza anterógrada do cólon em pacientes adultos, submetidos à colonoscopia em regime ambulatorial. Sessenta pacientes foram distribuidos em três grupos de vinte indivíduos. Cada um dos grupos realizou o preparo do cólon com uma das três soluções estudadas: manitol a 10 por cento (MN), picossulfato sódico (PS) e fosfato monobásico e dibásico de sódio (NaP). O sabor, a tolerância, os efeitos colaterais, os custos e a qualidade de limpeza do preparo foram avaliados. Parâmetros clínicos como frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial sistêmica também foram estudados, além das variações dos eletrólitos (sódio, potássio, cálcio e fósforo) que foram dosados antes e após o preparo intestinal. Os pacientes estudados apresentaram resultados semelhantes em relação aos efeitos colaterais. As variações relativas à freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial e hematócrito, ainda que indicando contração no espaço intravascular, não cursaram com maiores repercussões do ponto de vista clínico. O sabor ruim da solução de NaP não chegou a comprometer a aceitação desta pelos pacientes. As soluções de NaP e MN proporcionaram resultados superiores tanto em qualidade de limpeza colônica, como em relação aos custos, quando comparadas à solução de PS. Quando comparados os três grupos do estudo, todos os eletrólitos avaliados apresentaram diferenças significativas, sendo a hiperfosfatemia dos pacientes preparados com a solução de NaP, a mais importante delas. Nenhuma dessas, no entanto, apresentou problemas de ordem clínica.

Actions of potassium channel openers in rat detrusor urinae

This study was performed to investigate the action of potassium channel openers on the mechanical activity of detrusor muscle isolated from rats. Detrusor muscle strips, 15 mm in length, were myographied isometrically in an isolated organ bath. P 1060, RP 49356 and BRL 38277, potassium channel activators, reduced the basal tone and diminished the phasic activity of detrusor concentration-dependently. P 1060, RP 49356 and BRL 38227 suppressed the maximal responses to bethanechol and shifted the concentration-response curves of bethanechol-induced contraction to the right. RP 49356 and BRL 38227 reduced the contraction by low (20 mM) concentration of potassium. P 1060, however, diminished the high (80 mM) and low (20 mM) concentration of potassium-induced contraction. Glibenclamide, an inhibitor of ATP-dependent potassium channel, antagonized the suppressive action of P 1060, RP 49356 and BRL 38227 on the basal tone. Apamin or procaine did not antagonize it significantly. Based on these results, it is suggested that the relaxation of detrusor muscle strip caused by P 1060, RP 49356 and BRL 38227 may predominantly involve opening of the same potassium channel, i.e., the ATP-dependent potassium channel.

Microbial Decomposition of alpha-Picoline.

An organism, which degrades alpha-picoline but also utilizes 2-ethylpyridine or piperidine as alternative growth substrates, has been isolated from soil and characterized as arthrobacter sp. alpha-picoline-grown cells oxidize 2-ethylpyridine and vice versa. Other pyridine derivatives tested are neither utilized as growth substrates nor oxidized by the organism. alpha-Picolinate and 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine are not metabolized, indicating that degradation is neither initiated by methyl oxidation nor by hydroxylation in the 6-position of pyridine ring. Succinate semi-aldehyde and pyruvate accumulate when alpha-picoline oxidation by resting cell suspensions is blocked by semicarbazide. The Arthrobacter grown on alpha-picoline rapidly oxidizes succinate semi aldehyde...