A purine and a reaction intermediate in the metabolism of adenosine and in the formation of nucleic acids by the salvage pathway.

Weakly antileukemic.

Metabolite of adenine arabinoside used in therapy of ocular herpes.

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and hypoxanthine, guanine, or 6-mercaptopurine to the corresponding 5'-mononucleotides and pyrophosphate. The enzyme is important in purine biosynthesis as well as central nervous system functions. Complete lack of enzyme activity is associated with the LESCH-NYHAN SYNDROME, while partial deficiency results in overproduction of uric acid. EC 2.4.2.8.