The drug amphetamine (shown) extensively binds to the protein serum albumin in b

Question

The drug amphetamine (shown) extensively binds to the protein serum albumin in blood. Predict how a reduction in blood pH would be expected to influence this binding. Note: Albumin is negatively charged at pH 7.4 and neutral at pH 5.0.

NH CH A) The pH change causes the charge state of both amphetamine and serum albumin to change. Less protein binding would occur B) The pH change causes the charge state of both amphetamine and serum albumin to change. No change in protein binding would occur. occur. DO The pH change causes the charge state of only the protein to change. Less protein binding would occur. E The pH change causes the charge state of only the drug to change. More protein binding would occur. F The pH change causes the charge state of only the drug to change. Less protein binding would occur.

Explanation / Answer

Right option is (C)

Explanation:

The reduction in pH reduces the negative charge of the albumin and so increases its electrophilic character. Therefore, as amphetamine molecules are nucleophilic in nature their binding should improve with the decrease in pH. Part of this binding will involve salt formation between the amphetamine and the albumin. Amphetamine is more likely to form salts in which it acts as the positive ion as the electrophilic nature of the albumin increases.

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