6-Methoxy-tetrahydro-beta-carboline and melatonin in the human retina.
The presence of two 5-methoxyindoles, 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (6-MeO- THBC ) and melatonin was demonstrated in human retinae using a highly specific gas chromatographic mass spectrometric method from eyes affected with various ocular diseases. Both compounds were found to occur in similar quantities. 6-MeO- THBC is a newly-identified endogenously-occurring retinal compound possibly acting as a neuromodulator. The importance of 6-MeO- THBC and other beta-carbolines especially compared to other 5-methoxyindoles is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002243:Carbolines / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000032:analysis*; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008550:Melatonin / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012160:Retina / Q000032:analysis*
D002243:Carbolines; D007211:Indoles; C002272:6-methoxytryptoline; D008550:Melatonin