Stefanie Diem

‘TaClo’, A Chloral-Derived Mammalian Alkaloid with Neurotoxic Properties

Since the discovery that the synthetic compound 1-methyl-4-phenyl-l,2,3,6-tetra-hydropyridine (MPTP, 5) induces parkinsonian-like symptoms in humans, monkeys, and mice, particular attention has been focused on the possible role of environmental toxic agents in causing damage to the central nervous system (Collins et al., 1986).

Nutritional Sources of Novel Tetrahydro-ß-Carbolines

Tetrahydro-s-carboline (THC)-carboxylic acids are readily formed by Pictet-Spengler condensation of tryptophan or tryptamine with various carbonyl compounds. In plants, mammals, and by chemical oxidation studies, it has been demonstrated that THC-carboxylic acids represent precursors of s-carboline (e.g. harman) alkaloids (Herbert and Mann, 1980; Rommelspacher and Susilo, 1985; Bobbitt and Willis, 1980). With respect to Parkinson’s disease, generation of potent neurotoxins from s-carbolines by enzymatic N-methylation has been reported (Collins et al., 1992).