Effects of $\beta$-carbolines on Dopamine Biosynthesis and L-DOPA-Induced Cytotoxicity in PC12 Cells

  • Yang, Yoo-Jung (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lee, Jae-Joon (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Kim, Yu-Mi (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Jin, Chun-Mei (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Yoo, Seung-Hee (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Kang, Min-Hee (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University) ;
  • Lee, Myung-Koo (College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University)
  • Published : 2003.10.01

Abstract

In vivo aromatic ${\beta}$-carbolines, such as harman and norharman, may easily be formed by cyclization of indoleamines with e.g. aldehydes. Because of the structural similarity to MPTP, ${\beta}$-carbolines have been proposed as endogenous toxins. In this study, we have investigated the effects of harman and norharman on dopamine biosynthesis and L-DOPA-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. Treatment of PC12 cells with harman and norharman showed 48.8% and 49.5% inhibition of dopamine content at a concentration of 20 ${\mu}$M and 100 ${\mu}$M for 48h. (omitted)

Keywords