2-Aminoquinoline

2-Aminoquinoline is a metabolic inhibitor that is used to treat disorders caused by an excess of copper in the body. It reacts with copper and forms a blue solution. This reaction can be monitored by adding 2-aminoquinoline to a solution containing copper chloride and an indicator, such as starch or phenolphthalein. The formation of the blue complex between 2-aminoquinoline and copper chloride indicates that the drug has successfully inhibited the enzyme responsible for the disorder. 2-Aminoquinoline binds to copper ions and prevents them from being able to bind to other proteins in order to form enzymes, which are necessary for cellular function. This binding leads to apoptosis (cell death) by inhibiting protein synthesis. 2-Aminoquinoline also inhibits epidermal growth factor (EGF) activity, which may lead to skin cancer. It blocks EGF receptors on cells and prevents them from signaling downstream pathways involved in cell proliferation.