What Is Inosine?
Inosine is an organic compound with the chemical formula C10H12N4O5, also known as hypoxanthosine or hypoxanthine riboside. It is an N-riboside consisting of hypoxanthine (6-hydroxypurine) and D-ribose. Its CAS registry number is 58-63-9.
With a molecular weight of 268.23, a melting point of 226°C, and a nearly white crystalline powder form at room temperature, inosine is soluble in water and has a solubility of 1.6g/100mL at 20°C. However, it is practically insoluble in ethanol.
Uses of Inosine
Inosine has various applications in the medical and food industries. It’s a component of umami flavor and is used in the treatment of radiation exposure, drug-induced leukopenia, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Additionally, inosine is used as a dietary supplement for its potential to activate the ATP cycle and enhance endurance.
Properties of Inosine
Biochemically, inosine is a trace base rarely found in RNA but often present in tRNA, especially in the anticodon site. It can be associated with various nucleobases through hydrogen bonds. Inosine is abundant in muscle tissue and undergoes hydrolysis into hypoxanthine and D-ribose when heated in dilute sulfuric acid.
Types of Inosine
Inosine products include pharmaceuticals, supplements, and research reagents, available in capacities suitable for laboratory and industrial applications. They are typically handled at room temperature.
Other Information on Inosine
1. Synthesis of Inosine
Inosine can be obtained by fermenting adenosine with adenosine deaminase and is also produced by the degradation and synthesis of inosinic acid.
2. Related Substances of Inosine
Inosinic acid, with phosphate at the 5′ position of the ribose moiety in inosine, is a tastant nucleotide found in meat. The sodium salt of inosinic acid is a key umami compound in dried bonito flakes. In vivo, inosine is synthesized from xanthine and converted to inosinic acid via the salvage pathway.