Abstract
Studies clearly demonstrated biosynthesis of β-carbolines (βCs) in animals and humans. Precursor compounds include serotonin (syn. 5-hydroxytryptamine), tryptamine, and tryptophan with either acetaldehyde or pyruvate as cosubstrates. βCs are metabolized efficiently. Alcohol consumption and smoking affect their biosynthesis and biodegradation. Alcohol consumption increases the biosynthesis of harman (1-me-βC) which induces voluntary alcohol intake possibly by increasing the activity of dopamine neurons of the mesolimbic system (see Chap. 10). On the other hand, smoking induces the biodegradation of βCs. Norharman-2-N-oxide, a metabolite of norharman (βC) in brain and liver protects norharman from methylation to neurotoxic βCs. Furthermore, βCs form complexes with acetic acid and other hydrogen donors which may prevent the N-methylation to the toxic quaternary cations. Progesterone binding to CYP17 is completely blocked by norharman in contrast to harman which indicates inhibition of androgen biosynthesis. These findings point to multiple functions and interactions of βCs some of which will be presented in more detail in subsequent chapters.
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Rommelspacher, H., Wernicke, C., Lehmann, J. (2012). β-Carbolines: Occurrence, Biosynthesis, and Biodegradation. In: Antkiewicz-Michaluk, L., Rommelspacher, H. (eds) Isoquinolines And Beta-Carbolines As Neurotoxins And Neuroprotectants. Current Topics in Neurotoxicity, vol 1. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1542-8_6
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