Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Tryptamines”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Identification of the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-trichloromethyl-1,2, 3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline in human blood after intake of the hypnotic chloral hydrate.

1-Trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo), a potent toxin toward dopaminergic neurons, readily originates in vitro from the biogenic amine tryptamine and the unnatural aldehyde chloral. For this reason, this heterocycle has been postulated to be formed endogenously in humans after administration of the hypnotic chloral hydrate or after exposure to the industrial solvent trichloroethylene by a spontaneous chemical ring closure reaction. In this paper, we report on the first identification of TaClo in blood samples of patients treated orally with chloral hydrate. Using a specific and sensitive gas chromatographic screening procedure based upon electron-capture and mass-selective detection, TaClo was determined after conversion to its volatile trifluoroacetyl derivative. The identity of TaClo in humans was clearly demonstrated by GC-MS analysis in selected-ion-monitoring mode, by the characteristic chlorine isotopic pattern of the molecular ion.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1995

Not Ca2+ but CAMP is the second messenger for morphological changes in rat megakaryocyte.

ATP and thrombin both induced Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular Ca2+ store site of megakaryocyte, the progenitor cell of platelet (Uneyama C., Uneyama H. and Akaike N. (1993) J. Physiol. (Lond.), 470, 73-749). Since in platelet, thrombin is known as a strong agonist and ADP is known as a weak agonist, we further investigated the effect of these agonists on megakaryocyte. Thrombin induced Ca2+ mobilization, 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) release and aggregatory morphological changes in megakaryocyte, but ATP induced only Ca2+ mobilization. Thrombin-induced 5-HT release was inhibited by adenylate cyclase-activating drugs, and the morphological changes could be induced by H-8, an inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These results suggest that the Ca2+ mobilization is not sufficient to induce morphological changes, and the signal to cause morphological changes in megakaryocyte may be cAMP.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1996

Human anti-mitochondria autoantibodies appearing in iproniazid-induced immunoallergic hepatitis recognize human liver monoamine oxidase B.

Anti-mitochondria (anti-M6) autoantibodies have been found in the serum of patients with immunoallergic iproniazid (Marsilid)-induced hepatitis, but to date the identity of the protein antigen has not been determined. Here we show, using immunoprecipitation of pargyline-labelled proteins, that among the mitochondrial proteins, liver MAO-B is specifically recognized by the sera containing anti-M6 antibodies. Moreover the enzymatic activity of MAO-B towards phenylethylamine and tyramine is also suppressed after this immunoprecipitation, contrary to the MAO-A activity towards 5-hydroxy-tryptamine. As MAO is irreversibly inhibited by iproniazid, these results suggest that the mechanism of iproniazid-induced appearance of anti-M6 antibodies could be another example of the reactive metabolite/enzyme haptenization mechanism already proposed in the case of tienilic acid for the appearance of anti-organelle antibodies in a drug-induced hepatitis.

Antibody Specificity↗
PubMed2001

[(3)H]-serotonin release from bovine iris-ciliary body: pharmacology of prejunctional serotonin (5-HT(7)) autoreceptors.

In the present study, we investigated the pharmacological characteristics of electrically stimulated [(3)H]-serotonin release from mammalian iris-ciliary bodies. Isolated bovine and human iris-ciliary bodies were loaded with [(3)H]-serotonin, superfused with Krebs buffer solution and then stimulated with trains of 300 direct current (d.c.) pulses to initiate the release of the transmitter. The modification of this [(3)H]-serotonin release process by various serotonergic agonists and antagonists was studied in order to define the pharmacology of serotonin receptor(s) present in the iris-ciliary body. In bovine iris-ciliary body, electrically-evoked [(3)H]-serotonin release was calcium-dependent, tetrodotoxin-sensitive and was enhanced by serotonin (EC(50) = 200 n M) and 5-carboxmidotryptamine (EC(50) = 4 n M). The rank order of potency of agonists in enhancing field-stimulated [(3)H]-serotonin release was: 5-carboamidotryptamine > m-chlorophenylbiguanide > 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine = 5-methoxy-dimethyltryptamine > serotonin > 5-methoxy-tryptamine > L-694,247 = alpha-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine > CGS 12066A = 8-hydroxy-2-(di- n -propylamino)tetraline. Serotonin and m-chlorophenylbiguanide also enhanced electrically-evoked [(3)H]-serotonin release from human iris-ciliary bodies with EC(50)s of 3 microM and 30 n M, respectively. The pharmacological profile displayed by serotonin receptor agonists was supported by the potent antagonism of the serotonin-induced enhancement of [(3)H]-serotonin release by 5HT(7)receptor antagonists SB-258718 (IC(50) = 18.6 +/- 1.2 nM; n = 4) and mesulergine (IC(50) = 0.26 +/- 0.05 nM; n = 4). However, antagonists at 5HT(6)and 5HT(3)receptors exhibited a relatively weak blockade of serotonin induced enhancement of field-stimulated [(3)H]-serotonin release. These studies have shown the presence of functionally active prejunctional 5HT(7)autoreceptors regulating the release of [(3)H]-serotonin from bovine iris-ciliary bodies. Excitatory prejunctional 5-HT autoreceptors also exist in human iris-ciliary bodies. It is possible that these serotonin autoreceptors may have relevance to the regulation of aqueous humor dynamics in the anterior uvea.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Raphe-spinal neurons display an age-dependent differential capacity for neurite outgrowth compared to other brainstem-spinal populations.

Functional regeneration of brainstem-spinal pathways occurs in the developing chick when the spinal cord is severed prior to embryonic day (E) 13. Functional spinal cord regeneration is not observed in animals injured after E13. This developmental transition from a permissive to a restrictive repair period may be due to the formation of an extrinsic inhibitory environment preventing axonal growth, and/or an intrinsic inability of mature neurons to regenerate. Here, we investigated the capacity of specific populations of brainstem-spinal projection neurons to regrow neurites in vitro from young (E8) versus mature (E17) brainstem explants. A crystal of carbocyanine dye (DiI) was implanted in ovo into the E5 cervical spinal cord to retrogradely label brainstem-spinal projection neurons. Three or 12 days later, discrete regions of the brainstem containing DiI-labeled neurons were dissected to produce explant cultures grown in serum-free media on laminin substrates. The subsequent redistribution of DiI into regenerating processes permitted the study of in vitro neurite outgrowth from identified brainstem-spinal neurons. When explanted on E8, i.e., an age when brainstem-spinal neurons are normally elongating through the spinal cord and are capable of in vivo functional regeneration, robust neurite outgrowth was observed from all brainstem populations, including rubro-, reticulo-, vestibulo-, and raphe-spinal neurons. In contrast, when explanted on E17, robust neurite outgrowth was seen only from raphe-spinal neurons. Neurite outgrowth from raphe-spinal neurons was 5-hydroxy-tryptamine immunoreactive. This study demonstrates that in growth factor-free environments with permissive growth substrates, neurite outgrowth from brainstem-spinal neurons is dependent on both neuronal age and phenotype.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Neurokynurenines (NEKY) as common neurochemical links of stress and anxiety.

The following NEKY have been studied: 1-kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxyKYN (3HKYN), kynurenic (KYNA), anthranilic (ANT), 3-hydroxyANT (3HANT), quinolinic (QUIN), picolinic (PICA), xanthurenic (XAN), nicotinic (NIC) acids, 3-indole-pyruvate (IPA), nicotinamide (NAM). NEKY antagonize the central effects of precursors of serotonin (tryptophan and 5-HTP), and tryptamine as well. Seizures induced by central administration of KYN and QUIN are prevented by centrally injected dopamine and diminished by noradrenaline and adrenaline. KYN, 3HANT, PIC and NIC potentiate oxotremorine hypothermia mediated by acetylcholine. Central administration of GABA, glycine or taurine, as well as proline and melatonin, prevented seizures induced by QUIN and KYN. Behavioral inhibitory effects of these amino acids are diminished by pretreament with KYN, 3HKYN and QUIN. Elevation of concentrations of corticosteroids is resulted in rise of level of NEKY due to hormonal induction of liver tryptophan pyrrolase and brain 2,3 dioxigenase. NEKY, in their turn, activate both enzymes. Thus, a "vicious circle" is formed and it supports an elevated level of NEKY for a long time, hours and days. Long-lasting increased concentrations of NEKY in tissues can lead to significant after-effects and numerous pathogenic consequences. One can not exclude that a rise of the level of some NEKY, e.g. KYNA, IPA, PIC and XAN, may play an "adaptogenic" role in stress antagonizing some pathologic effects of KYN and QUIN, e.g. anxiogenic, neurotoxic and proconvulsive. It has been demonstrated that the excitatory NEKY, KYN, 3HKYN, QUIN, possess an anxiogenic activity in the standard animal models of anxiety. NEKY with opposite neuroactivities, namely KYNA, IPA, PICA and XAN, have a pharmacological profile of anxiolytics and antagonize both anxiogenic NEKY and standard anxiogens, like caffeine, pentylenetetrazole and yohimbine. Major emphasis is made on KYN as a putative endogenous anxiogen. Studies on the interaction of NEKY with other endogenous metabolites involved in anxiety (beta-phenylethylamine, cholecystokynine, melatonin) are in progress.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

The endogeneous formation of highly chlorinated tetrahydro-beta-carbolines as a possible causative mechanism in idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

The causative interrelationship between long-term, low level exposure to chlorinated volatile organic solvents (VOSs) and neurodegenerative diseases (polyneuropathy, encephalopathy) are still an issue of controversial debate. Endogeneously formed chlorinated tetrahydro-beta-carbolines found by Bringmann 1995 (TaClo hypothesis) may contribute, in particular, to the development of (idiopathic) Parkinson's disease (PD) in the presence of the sufficient amount of trichloroacetaldehyde, an intermediate in metabolism of trichloroethylene (TRI). Long-term storage of specific VOSs over years, evident frrom exhalation pattern during the postexposure period, may serve as a promoting factor to form continuously TaClo non-enzymatically from tryptamine and trichloroacetaldehyde. Thus, the induction of TaClo-mediated neurotoxic processes extends over years. The onset of Parkinson's disease in three chronic TRI-exposed individuals during the postexposure period could be associated with the presence of TaClo in ng-range. Consequently, determination of TaClo and its derivatives in blood of humans exposed to chlorinated VOSs may serve as a marker of risk indicating either causative or supportive processes of neurodegeneration that may lead to manifestation of PD after many years.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Towards enantioselective synthesis of tryptophan-derived alkaloids.

Tryptamine was subjected to a series of reactions with derivatives of L-Ala, L-Val that ended with final diketopiperazines 9 and 10, having (R) configuration on the newly created, via 1,4-chirality transfer, stereogenic center. On the other hand, when L-Pro was used the opposite chirality sense was formed at this position.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2003

HPLC of tryptophan and its metabolites: as OPA derivatives and on the basis of their UV and fluorescence spectra, simultaneously.

A HPLC method was developed for the quantitation of tryptophan and its metabolites, in total sixteen compounds, belonging both to the indolyl and kynurenine pathways. Primary amino group containing metabolites have been quantitated as their o-phthaldialdehyde/3-mercaptopropionic acid derivatives (5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptamine, tryptamine), others without derivatization (quinolinic-, nicotinic-, antranilic-, xanthurenic-, kynurenic, indoleacetic- and indolepropionic acids, nicotineamide, melatonin, tryptophol, indole, methyl-indole), in a single run, within 20 min. Fluorescence and UV detections were performed simultaneously.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1999

Specific enzymatic chlorination of tryptophan and tryptophan derivatives.

In the search for an alternative to chemical halogenation reactions using the free halogens, a novel type of halogenating enzymes was detected. In contrast to haloperoxidases, these NADH-dependent halogenases are specific. Tryptophan halogenase which catalyses the regioselective chlorination of tryptophan to 7-chlorotryptophan can also chlorinate tryptamine, tryptophol, indole-3-acetonitrile, and 3-methylindole. However, indole-3-acetonitrile is not chlorinated in the 7-position, but in positions two and three of the indole ring. Chlorination in the 3-position is obviously stereospecific. In addition to tryptophan and indole derivatives, aminophenylpyrrole is also accepted as a substrate for regioselective chlorination. Since the new NADH-dependent halogenases have a fairly broad substrate specificity and catalyse regioselective chlorination reactions they could be a good alternative to chemical halogenation.

Halogens↗
PubMed1988

Acetaldehyde and its condensation products as markers in alcoholism.

Several studies show that recently abstaining alcoholics generate higher circulating levels of acetaldehyde than nonalcoholics following ethanol administration. It is conceivable that levels of stable adducts (tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydro-beta-carbolines) derived from acetaldehyde condensations with biogenic amines also might be increased in alcoholics consuming ethanol, thus serving in body fluids as chemical markers that are more persistent than acetaldehyde itself. Limited human and rat studies indicate that urinary excretion of an oxidized tryptamine condensation product (harmane) and of an acetaldehyde/serotonin condensation product is elevated by chronic ethanol. Salsolinol, the derivative of acetaldehyde and dopamine, does not appear to be a meaningful urinary marker, but levels of the related pyruvic acid/dopamine product may be increased by ethanol. Blood assays of condensation products have been limited in number and equivocal. Condensation product measurements are complicated not only by artifacts (formation during analyses), but by other inherent problems. Products of interest often are constituents of diets and alcoholic beverages. For this and perhaps endogenous metabolic reasons, traces of condensation products are normally excreted by nondrinking individuals. Furthermore, the assays require high sensitivity and specificity and are not easily adapted to routine use. Thus, although several condensation products have initial appeal as clinical or pathological indicators in chronic alcoholism, thorough and statistically sound studies are needed before conclusions can be reached concerning any particular biogenic amine-derived product.

Acetaldehyde↗
PubMed1986

Kinins, receptors, antagonists.

Kinins are potent myotropic agents acting on a variety of smooth muscle preparations: isolated arteries, veins, intestines, tracheae, urinary bladders, uteri, etc. In these tissues, kinins activate at least two different receptor types, B1 and B2. B1 and B2 receptors for kinins have been identified by measuring the order of potency of agonists and the affinities of specific and competitive antagonists. Results of pharmacological studies have been confirmed by several investigators using binding assays with labelled bradykinin (BK) or desArg9BK. Antagonists for kinins active on B1 and B2 receptors have been identified. Anti-B1 antagonists are specific, competitive and fairly potent: anti-B2 antagonists have been identified among compounds primarily developed as anti-tachykinins: these compounds are non-specific, non-competitive and rather weak. They however may provide interesting new pharmacological tools, active against both kinins and tachykinins, two groups of endogenous peptides involved in the inflammatory process. The type (direct, indirect) and the site (endothelial cell, smooth muscle fiber, autonomic nerve endings) of action of kinins in isolated vessels have been investigated. The results of various studies indicate that kinins do not act on the sympathetic nerve terminals of isolated organs in contrast with other peptides. Kinins do not promote the release of histamine or of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine from isolated arteries and veins. Kinins are equally active in the presence and absence of indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) or of BW 755C (an inhibitor of lipoxygenase) in some organs, while the actions of kinins on other organs are reduced to a variable extent by these inhibitors. In general, B1 receptor systems do not depend on the activation of arachidonic acid, while B2 receptor systems do: activation of the arachidonic acid cascade may be a feature of B2 receptors. Stimulant effects of kinins on arterial or venous vessels are independent on the endothelium, while the relaxant effect on the dog carotid artery occurs only in vessels with intact endothelium. The mechanism of action of kinins and tachykinins appears to be different from that of acetylcholine, since the peptides effects are not influenced by BW 755C and ETYA, two inhibitors of lipooxygenase that reduce significantly the effect of acetylcholine.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Amine oxidase activities in bovine lung.

The subcellular distributions of amine oxidase activities MAO-A, MAO-B and SSAO, in bovine lung have been determined. MAO activities are largely confined to the mitochondria whereas SSAO activity is concentrated in the microsomal fraction. The contribution of different type of amine oxidase present in the microsomal fraction to the metabolism of the benzylamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, tryptamine and dopamine were determined. The kinetic constants towards benzylamine showed SSAO to have a higher affinity than MAO-B, and the comparison of the Vmax/Km relationship for both enzymes indicated that benzylamine would be oxidised more efficiently by SSAO than by MAO-B.

Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)↗
PubMed1994

Properties of mammalian tissue-bound semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase: possible clues to its physiological function?

Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), occurs not only in vascular smooth muscle but also in other cell types (e.g. adipocytes, chondrocytes, odontoblasts), probably in the plasma membrane. Although certain aromatic biogenic amines (e.g. tryptamine, tyramine, beta-phenyl-ethylamine) may be endogenous substrates for SSAO in species such as the rat, the weak activity of SSAO in human tissues towards these amines makes this less likely in man. However SSAO in human and rat vascular homogenates readily converts the aliphatic biogenic amines methylamine and aminoacetone to formaldehyde and methylglyoxal, respectively. Also the xenobiotic aliphatic amine allylamine produces cardiovascular damage in experimental animals by a mechanism which involves its deamination by SSAO to acrolein. Further metabolism of these toxic aliphatic aldehydes may involve glutathione-dependent pathways. Thus, SSAO may be involved not only in the removal of physiologically-active endogenous/xenobiotic amines, but resulting metabolite (aldehyde/H2O2?) formation could also influence cellular function.

Amine Oxidase (Copper-Containing)↗
PubMed1993

A chimaeric tryptophan decarboxylase gene as a novel selectable marker in plant cells.

A novel selection system for plant genetic transformation was developed based on the enzyme tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC; EC 4.1.1.28) from Catharanthus roseus. This enzyme converts the toxic tryptophan analogue 4-methyl tryptophan (4-mT) into the non-toxic compound 4-methyl tryptamine. Expression of tdc in transgenic plants that have no endogenous TDC-activity allows selection on 4-mT. A vector was constructed containing a tdc cDNA clone under control of the constitutively expressed cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter. This vector was used in Agrobacterium-mediated tobacco leaf disc transformation experiments. The optimal concentration for selection with 4-mT was found to be 0.1 mM. The transformed nature of shoots obtained after tdc gene transfer and subsequent selection on 0.1 mM 4-mT was confirmed by northern blot analysis.

Aromatic-L-Amino-Acid Decarboxylases↗
PubMed1992

Auxin rapidly down-regulates transcription of the tryptophan decarboxylase gene from Catharanthus roseus.

The enzyme tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) (EC 4.1.1.28) converts tryptophan into tryptamine, and thereby channels primary metabolites into indole alkaloid biosynthesis. The production of these secondary metabolites in suspension cells of Catharanthus roseus depends on medium composition. Of the possible variables, we investigated the effect of hormones on the expression of the tdc gene in cell cultures. Omission of NAA from the growth medium resulted in accumulation of tdc mRNA. The addition of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), indoleacetic acid (IAA) or 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) rapidly reduced the enhanced tdc transcript level. Cytokinin was unable to suppress the enhanced transcript level. Hairy roots transformed by Agrobacterium rhizogenes also showed a reduction of the tdc mRNA level after NAA addition. Run-off transcription experiments showed that the down-regulation takes place at the transcriptional level within 15 minutes and independent of de novo protein synthesis. Thus one of the mechanisms which control the activity of terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthesis in C. roseus cell cultures is the negative regulation by auxin of the gene involved in the first committed step.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗
PubMed1993

Endothelium-dependent relaxation of porcine pulmonary arteries via 5-HT1C-like receptors.

In PGF2 alpha-precontracted pulmonary arteries with intact endothelium, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 1.0-100 nmol/l) caused a concentration-dependent reversible relaxation, at higher concentrations the contractile response prevailed. In endothelium-denuded vessels relaxation was absent. 5-HT-induced relaxation of precontracted pulmonary arteries was probably mediated by release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Preincubation of the arteries with methylene blue or NG-nitro-L-arginine (200 mumol/l) attenuated the relaxant effect. The 5-HT-induced relaxation was accompanied by an increase in cGMP. Indomethacin (3 mumol/l) did not influence the 5-HT-induced relaxation indicating that eicosanoids are not involved in the relaxant response to 5-HT. The 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT was as potent as 5-HT in inducing relaxation. The rank order of relaxant potency of the agonists investigated was alpha-methyl-5-HT > 5-HT > 5-methoxytryptamine > tryptamine > omega-methyl-5-HT > 5-carboxamidotryptamine > 2-methyl-5-HT > 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine > m-chlorophenylpiperazine > sumatriptan > 8-OH-DPAT. Phentolamine, pindolol and ICS 205-930 did not interfere with the relaxant effect. The 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (1 mumol/l) inhibited the contractile response but did not alter vasodilatation. Apart from the blockade of the contractile effects, mesulergine, cyproheptadine and mianserin (0.1-3.0 mumol/l, each) induced a parallel shift to the right of the concentration-response curve for the relaxation induced by alpha-methyl-5-HT or 5-HT. Spiperone (0.3 mumol/l) exerted weak inhibitory effects on relaxation and contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1993

The pharmacology of descending responses evoked by thoracic stimulation in the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro.

Spinal cords were maintained in vitro and suction electrodes used to record activity in lumbar 4 or 5 ventral roots. Stimulation of the latero-ventral aspect of the thoracic cord elicited fast and slow responses on the same and on the opposite side of the cord. There were 5 distinct responses: ipsilaterally a short latency (d ISL), a polysynaptic and a slow response, and contralaterally a fast (d CON FAST) and a slow response. The largest amplitude component, d ISL, may arise from stimulation of propriospinal neurones; the other responses may arise from stimulation of descending pathways. The slow responses had half decay times of 13-15 s and required a high intensity stimulus to elicit a maximal response. All 5 responses were blocked by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione suggesting that kainate/AMPA receptors were involved in their generation. In addition, NMDA receptors were involved in generation of the slow responses. Potentiation of certain responses by the 5-HT2 antagonists, ketanserin, ritanserin and Lilly 53837, indicated that endogenous 5-HT was exerting a modulatory depression of these responses. In addition to eliciting the 5 responses, thoracic cord stimulation caused an inhibition of segmental reflexes evoked from the lumbar dorsal root. Exogenous 5-HT, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin, 5-carboxamidotryptamine, dipropyl-5-carboxamido-tryptamine and methysergide depressed all or some of the descending responses. Blockade of adrenoceptors using yohimbine, idazoxan, prazosin or propranolol had no unequivocal effect suggesting that the release of endogenous catecholamines was minimal. Clonidine was a potent depressant of the slow responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acids↗