Salsoline is a tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid found in some plants of the genus Salsola. Salsoline is the monomethylated metabolite of salsolinol which has been thought to contribute to Parkinson's disease.[medical citation needed] Also, this has been tied to the neuropathology of chronic alcoholism.[1]

Salsoline

(±)-Salsoline
Names
IUPAC name
6-Hydroxy-7-methoxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
UNII
  • (S)-(–): InChI=1S/C11H15NO2/c1-7-9-6-11(14-2)10(13)5-8(9)3-4-12-7/h5-7,12-13H,3-4H2,1-2H3
  • (±): CC1C2=CC(=C(C=C2CCN1)O)OC
  • (S)-(–): C[C@H]1NCCC2=CC(O)=C(C=C12)OC
Properties
C11H15NO2
Molar mass 193.246 g·mol−1
Appearance White or almost white crystalline powder
Density 1.106 g/cm3
Melting point 217-219 °C
Solubility Soluble in chloroform; slightly soluble in water, benzene
Hazards
Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH):
Main hazards
May cause allergic reaction. Avoid contact with eyes
  • May cause eye irritation
  • May cause allergic reaction. May cause skin irritation
  • May be harmful if swallowed
  • May cause irritation of respiratory tract
Flash point 157.4 °C (315.3 °F; 430.5 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Some examples of compounds that are similar to salsoline include salsolinol, isosalsoline, norsalsolinol, and carboxysalsolinol.

Reactions

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These types of compounds are able to undergo addition reactions in which additions can happen to the nitrogenous ring.[citation needed] Also, it is possible for the ring to break open. In the presence of NaBH4 or H2SO4, this structure may be able to undergo carbonyl chemistry,[dubiousdiscuss] if present, and other reactions, such as substitution. Salsoline is a derivative of dopamine,[2] meaning it is able to function in the brain like dopamine.[medical citation needed]

Observations in Medicine

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Salsoline has been detected in areas of the brain that are highest in concentration with dopamine. It has been found in the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and hypothalamus.[2] However, there are two enantiomers, (R) and (S), and are not treated similarly in this case. The (R) and (S) enantiomers are abundant in human plasma,[citation needed] but these configurations are recognized by different machinery in the cell. Parkinson's disease is a neurotoxic disease in which the concentration of this compound is significantly increased in the cerebrospinal fluid.[citation needed] Therefore, the patients who are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are likely found to have had these derivatives present.[citation needed]

In lab, it has become increasingly popular to try and protect the neurons from such an environment. The derivative is able to be synthesized in areas of the brain, and it is possible to now try and target these areas to influence against the build up of these toxins. Studies have shown that high levels of salsoline increase concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid in alcoholic patients.[clarification needed] It has been noted that there has been a build up of salsoline in fluid in the case of Parkinson's Disease. There are several sources that have pointed toward the conclusion that salsoline has been linked with alcoholism and intoxication.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Borg, S.; Kvande, H.; Magnuson, E.; Sjöqvist, B. (October 1980). "Salsolinol and Salsoline in Cerebrospinal Lumbar Fluid of Alcoholic Patients". Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 62: 171–177. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1980.tb08064.x. PMID 6935920. S2CID 33979452.
  2. ^ a b Mravec, B. (2006). "Salsolinol, a Derivate of Dopamine, is a Possible Modulator of Catecholaminergic Transmission: a Review of Recent Developments" (PDF). Physiological Research. 55 (4): 353–364. doi:10.33549/physiolres.930810. PMID 16238467. S2CID 6553503.