Aminopropionitrile, also known as β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), is an organic compound with both amine and nitrilefunctional groups. It is a colourless liquid. The compound occurs naturally and is of interest in the biomedical community.
Biochemical and medical occurrence
BAPN is the toxic constituent of peas from Lathyrus plants, e.g., ''Lathyrus odoratus''.[3] Lathyrism, a disease known for centuries, encompasses 2 distinct entities: a disorder of connective tissue, causing either bone deformity (osteolathyrism) or aortic aneurisms (angiolathyrim). BAPN causes osteolathyrism and angiolathyrism when ingested in large quantities."[4] It can cause osteolathyrism, neurolathyrism, and/or angiolathyrism.
It is an antirheumatic agent in veterinary medicine.
^"Lathyrus". Washington, DC: American Association for Clinical Chemistry. 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2014. Beta-amino-propionitrile (BAPN) found in Lathyrus odoratus (common garden sweet pea) is thought to be responsible for osteolathyrism, which in humans is poorly documented.