Address: for Samples:
Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust,
Pathology Department, Dudley Road,
Birmingham, B18 7QH
Contact Points
Email:
Laboratory Tel: 0121 507 5345
Thiopurine Metabolites (6-TGN & 6MMPN)
Page last updated: 03 March 2023
Test
TPMT
The immunosuppressive effect of thiopurine drugs is mediated primarily by the cytotoxic metabolite, 6TGN, and incorporation of these false bases
into DNA. Accumulation of high levels of 6TGN is also responsible for some side effects of thiopurine drugs, and has been associated with
leucopenia. Furthermore, high levels of the inactive metabolite 6MMPN, which is formed via the TPMT pathway, may be associated with
hepatotoxicity.
