File:DFMO Inhibitor Mechanism.svg
Note: In this image, all reactions are depicted as irreversible. In reality, the attachment and de-attachment of Py (steps 1 and 5) as well as the final tautomerization step are probably equilibrium reactions under physiological conditions, whereas the decarboxylation and removal of fluoride reactions are likely irreversible.
Reference: Poulin R, Lu L, Ackermann B, Bey P, Pegg AE (1992). "Mechanism of the irreversible inactivation of mouse ornithine decarboxylase by alpha-difluoromethylornithine. Characterization of sequences at the inhibitor and coenzyme binding sites". The Journal of Biological Chemistry 267 (1): 150–8. PMID 1730582.
Reference: Poulin R, Lu L, Ackermann B, Bey P, Pegg AE (1992). "Mechanism of the irreversible inactivation of mouse ornithine decarboxylase by alpha-difluoromethylornithine. Characterization of sequences at the inhibitor and coenzyme binding sites". The Journal of Biological Chemistry 267 (1): 150–8. PMID 1730582.