In search of a physiological function for L-ergothioneine.
Since its discovery at the turn of the century, attempts to define a physiological function for L-ergothioneine have been unsuccessful. This paper suggests several possible functions for this enigmatic compound or its metabolites. These include: transport of cations or carbon dioxide, catalysis of carboxylation or decarboxylation reactions, mediation of thyroid or antithyroid function, histaminic or antihistaminic action, and cholinergic or anticholinergic action.
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D002331:Carnitine / Q000378:metabolism; D004880:Ergothioneine / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000187:drug effects; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004880:Ergothioneine; D002331:Carnitine