Abstract |
beta-Carbolines show structural resemblance to the neurotoxic N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and are metabolized to mitochondrial toxicants. Humans are continuously exposed to low levels of beta-carbolines through cooked food, coffee, alcoholic beverages and tobacco smoke. beta-Carbolines have previously been detected in higher levels in the pigmented substantia nigra than in the cortex of humans. The distribution of 3H-labelled harman and norharman in the brain of pigmented and albino mice and in frogs (a species having neuromelanin) was studied by tape-section and light-microscopic autoradiography. Furthermore, the binding of these beta-carbolines to dopamine-melanin and melanin granules from Sepia officinalis was examined. The results revealed a high affinity binding to melanin and a long-term retention (up to 30 days) in pigmented tissues, including neuromelanin-containing neurons of frogs after a single injection. The role of long-term exposure to food-related beta-carbolines and a retention of these compounds in pigment-containing neurons in the induction of idiopathic Parkinson's disease should be further considered.
|
Authors | A Ostergren, A Annas, K Skog, N G Lindquist, E B Brittebo |
Journal | Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996)
(J Neural Transm (Vienna))
Vol. 111
Issue 2
Pg. 141-57
(Feb 2004)
ISSN: 0300-9564 [Print] Austria |
PMID | 14767717
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Carbolines
- Melanins
- neuromelanin
|
Topics |
- Animals
- Brain
(cytology, metabolism)
- Carbolines
(analysis, metabolism)
- Female
- Melanins
(analysis, metabolism)
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Protein Binding
(physiology)
- Rana temporaria
- Time
|