title: Neurotoxic effects of tetrahydroisoquinolines and underlying mechanisms.
abstract: Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), a neurotoxic tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid formed by condensation between dopamine and dopaldehyde, has been speculated to cause Parkinson's disease and also to contribute to alcohol dependence. Having two catechol moieties, THP may readily undergo oxidation to form an o-quinone intermediate with concomitant production of reactive oxygen species, which can cause neuronal cell death and DNA damage. This review will deal with the current knowledge of neurotoxic effects of this endogenous alkaloid and underlying biochemical mechanisms.
authors: College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea.
authors: Young-Joon
authors: YJ
authors: Surh
authors: Hyun-Jung
authors: HJ
authors: Kim