Cadaverine is a foul-smelling molecule produced by protein hydrolysis during putrefaction of animal tissue. Cadaverine is a toxic diamine with the formula NH₂(CH₂)₅NH₂, which is similar to putrescine. Cadaverine is also known by the names 1,5-pentanediamine and pentamethylenediamine.

History

Putrescine and cadaverine were first described by the Berlin physician Ludwig Brieger in 1885.

Production

Cadaverine is the decarboxylation product of the amino acid lysine.

However, this diamine is not purely associated with putrefaction. It is also produced in small quantities by living beings. It is partially responsible for the distinctive smell of urine and semen.

Clinical significance

Elevated levels of cadaverine have been found in the urine of some patients with defects in lysine metabolism.

Toxicity

Cadaverine is toxic in large doses. In rats it had a low acute oral toxicity of more than 2000 mg/kg body weight

See also

• Putrescine

Notes

References

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