title: 1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo) induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cell lines.
abstract: The former popular hypnotic chloral hydrate has been known to spontaneously condense with tryptamine in the body to give rise to a highly unpolar 1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo) derivative. Earlier studies have revealed the relative permeability of the molecule through the body, and its ability to induce Parkinson-like symptoms in rats. In this study, we report that TaClo is a highly cytotoxic agent that leads to apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells involving caspase-3 activation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Freiburg Medical School, Hauptstrasse 5, Freiburg 79104, Germany.
authors.forename: Ravi Shankar
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Akundi
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hüll
authors.forename: Hans Willi
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Clement
authors.forename: Bernd L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Fiebich
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002243:Carbolines / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009447:Neuroblastoma
chemical_list: D002243:Carbolines; C067372:1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline; D020169:Caspases