Synthetic Evidence of the Amadori-Type Alkylation of Biogenic Amines by the Neurotoxic Metabolite Dopegal

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b01948
• Publication Date: 2019-12-16T14:18:47Z
• Authors: Martin J. Wanner; Ed Zuidinga; Dorette S. Tromp; Jan Vilím; Steen Ingemann Jø...; Jan H. van Maarse...
• Keywords: 570; Biogenic Amines; Neurotransmitter Agents; 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Alkylation; Spectrum Analysis; Acetaldehyde; 540; Nervous System; 3. Good health

The neurotransmitter metabolite 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylglycolaldehyde (dopegal) damages neurons and the myocardium by protein cross-linking, resulting in conglomerations and cell death. We investigated this process on a synthetic scale, leading to the discovery of an Amadori-type rearrangement of dopegal in the reaction with several amino acids and neuropeptides. This alkylation also occurs with neurotransmitters, suggesting an influence of dopegal on neurochemical processes. The rearrangement occurs readily under physiological conditions.