alloxan

Alloxan is a small organic molecule (C4H2N2O4) classified as a pyrimidone derivative. It is historically notable as one of the earliest organic compounds discovered and has wide utility in biomedical research as a selective toxin for pancreatic beta cells. Alloxan induces insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in laboratory animals by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) within beta cells, predominantly via redox cycling with dialuric acid and interactions with intracellular thiols like glutathione. Through its selective accumulation in beta cells (via the GLUT2 glucose transporter), it inhibits glucokinase—the beta cell glucose sensor—blocking glucose-induced insulin secretion and ultimately causing beta cell necrosis. Alloxan has also been used experimentally in homeopathic medicine, though it is not used therapeutically in conventional medicine.

Other names

2,4,5,6(1H,3H)-pyrimidinetetronemesoxalylureamesoxalylcarbamidealloxan monohydrate