Dopamine-derived alkaloids in alcoholism and in Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases
Tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) alkaloids and 1-carboxy TIQ derivatives have been found in human fluids and/or tissues. The possible biosynthetic pathways of salsolinol (Sal), taken as an example of TIQs, are discussed, and the possibility that biosynthesis occurs through a stereospecific enzymatic rea...
Gespeichert in:
Veröffentlicht in: | Journal of Neural Transmission 1988-06, Vol.74 (2), p.61-74 |
---|---|
Hauptverfasser: | , , |
Format: | Artikel |
Sprache: | eng |
Schlagworte: | |
Online-Zugang: | Volltext |
Tags: |
Tag hinzufügen
Keine Tags, Fügen Sie den ersten Tag hinzu!
|
Zusammenfassung: | Tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) alkaloids and 1-carboxy TIQ derivatives have been found in human fluids and/or tissues. The possible biosynthetic pathways of salsolinol (Sal), taken as an example of TIQs, are discussed, and the possibility that biosynthesis occurs through a stereospecific enzymatic reaction is considered. In this respect, it is reported that the R enantiomer of Sal predominates in urines of healthy volunteers, whereas the S enantiomer predominates in port wine and possibly in other beverages and foods, suggesting that Sal present in humans could have, at least partially, and endogenous enzymatic origin. TIQs and other dopamine-derived alkaloids are weak MAO inhibitors, the R enantiomer of Sal and salsolidine being more potent than the S form. The changes in monoamine oxidase activity and the nigrostriatal concentrations of dopamine and homovanillic acid in Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and in alcoholism are reviewed. In these pathological situations, changes in the levels of dopamine-derived alkaloid levels may occur. The possibility that the modifications found might cause or contribute to changes in mental and/or neurophysiological states in these pathological situations is considered. |
---|---|
ISSN: | 0300-9564 1435-1463 |
DOI: | 10.1007/BF01245140 |