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Ouzir M, Bouhaddou N, Khalki H, Lakhdar-Ghazal N. Physiological and pharmacological properties of 5-methoxytryptophol. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2013; 8:355-364. [PMID: 30736152 DOI: 10.1586/17446651.2013.811866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
5-methoxytryptophol (5-ML) is a pineal indoleamine derived from serotonin shown to be biologically active in a number of species. This indolamine exhibits a circadian pattern synchronized with the day-night cycle with significant increases during daylight, already recognized in vertebrates. The multiplicity of physiological and endocrine functions of 5-ML is remarkable; it is involved in circadian rhythms, reproduction and sexual processes. Furthermore, a number of pharmacological benefits of 5-ML have been reported, including immunomodulatory, antitumor and antioxidative activities. However, the molecular mechanisms of these pharmacological effects remain unclear. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the general properties and physiological functions of 5-ML. An attempt has been made to fully document all studies performed using 5-ML. In addition, this article aims to gain insight into the current state of knowledge regarding pharmacological and therapeutic effects of this indoleamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Ouzir
- a Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco.
| | - Nezha Bouhaddou
- b Unit of Research on Biological Rhythms and Environment, Faculty of Sciences University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Hanane Khalki
- c Department of Biology, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia University Cady Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Nouria Lakhdar-Ghazal
- b Unit of Research on Biological Rhythms and Environment, Faculty of Sciences University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
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Kumar P, Chaturvedi CM. Reproductive responses and nitric oxide activity in Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica, are altered by specific phase relationships of neural (serotonergic and dopaminergic) oscillations and pineal function. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2009; 36:152-61. [PMID: 19261427 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2008] [Revised: 12/09/2008] [Accepted: 12/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigates the effects of temporal synergism of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and pineal function (pinealectomy and melatonin administration) on gonadal response and nitric oxide (NO) activity in Japanese quail. Three-week-old male quails were divided into 9 groups, as follows: (I) control (treated with normal saline); (II) 8-h and (III) 12-h (receiving L-DOPA after the administration of 5-HTP [5mg/100g body weight] at the interval of 8 and 12h, respectively, over a period of 13 days); (IV) SO (sham operated); (V) Px (pinealectomized); (VI) Veh (vehicle treated control); (VII) Mel (melatonin 25 microg/100g body weight for 45 days); (VIII) 12-h+Veh; and (IX) 12-h+Mel (same as in (III) but further treated with the vehicle or melatonin, respectively, for 32 days). Body weight and cloacal gland volume were recorded weekly, whereas spermatogenesis, plasma testosterone concentration, and total nitrite and nitrate concentration in plasma, hypothalamus, and testes were measured at the termination of the study. Results indicate that compared to the controls, 8-h, Mel, and 12-h+Mel treatments suppressed whereas 12-h and Px stimulated the reproductive system. Further, a significant increase in plasma testosterone, total nitrite, and nitrate in the 12-h and Px groups and a decrease in these concentrations in 8-h, Mel and 12-h+Mel quail were observed. It is evident that 5-HTP and L-DOPA given at the interval of 8h, as well as melatonin, are potent inhibitors of gonadal development, and the gonado stimulatory effect of the 12-h temporal relationship of the neurotransmitter precursors is masked by the inhibitory effect of melatonin. It is concluded that modulation of the daily phase relationship of neural oscillations and pineal function alters gonadal function and NO activity. Further, NO exhibits a parallel relationship with gonadal function in Japanese quail; this relationship appears to be mediated through NO activity, suggesting a causal relationship, although the mechanism between the 2 systems remains a topic of discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
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Joy KP, Agha AK. Seasonal effects of administration of melatonin and 5-methoxytryptophol on ovarian activity in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). J Pineal Res 1991; 10:65-70. [PMID: 2056435 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.1991.tb00012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In Heteropneustes fossilis, effects of intraperitoneal administration (25 micrograms/fish, alternate days for a month 1 hr before the onset of dark phase) of melatonin (MEL) and 5-methoxytryptophol (5-MTL) on ovarian activity were investigated during different seasons of the annual reproductive cycle under natural photothermal conditions. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) had decreased significantly by MEL during preparatory and prespawning seasons, and by 5-MTL in all but the spawning season. Both MEL and 5-MTL administrations arrested vitellogenesis during the gonadal recrudescence phase. As a result, stage I previtellogenic oocytes showed a significant increase in the MEL group in the preparatory and prespawning seasons, and in the 5-MTL group only in the prespawning season. Almost the same trend was noticed in the percentage distribution of stage 2 and 3 oocytes. The percentage distribution of stage 4 postvitellogenic oocytes decreased significantly during the preparatory and prespawning seasons, but not in the spawning season. The indole treatment resulted in a highly significant increase in the percentage distribution of atretic oocytes during prespawning, spawning, and post-spawning phases. Total protein content of the ovary was significantly lower in all seasons after MEL treatment, and only in the preparatory and prespawning seasons following 5-MTL treatment. The ovarian glycogen level was significantly lower in the preparatory and prespawning seasons (MEL group), and in the 5-MTL group only in the prespawning phase. Ascorbic acid level was inhibited by the indole treatment in all seasons except in the 5-MTL group during the post-spawning season. The results show that both MEL and 5-MTL are effective in inhibiting ovarian vitellogenesis and inducing atresia in the catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Joy
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Bachman SE, Bachman JM, Mashaly MM. Effect of photoperiod on the diurnal rhythm of plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione in mature male chickens. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. A, COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 1987; 87:775-9. [PMID: 2887361 DOI: 10.1016/0300-9629(87)90399-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
1. The effects of different photoperiods on the concentrations of plasma androgens, testes weight and on the diurnal rhythm of plasma testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione (A) in mature, single comb White Leghorn male chickens were studied. 2. Birds were exposed to either 14 hr of light (lights on at 0600-2000 hr) or to 24 hr of light per day. 3. Blood samples were collected from birds in both groups at 3-hr intervals and plasma levels of T, DHT and A were measured using radioimmunoassays. Following blood collection, birds were weighed, killed and testis weights were recorded. 4. Under 14 hr of light, there was a diurnal rhythm of T and DHT with hormone concentrations peaking at the end of the dark period. There was no obvious rhythm for A. Exposure to 24 hr of light abolished the diurnal rhythm found under 14 hr of light. 5. There was an increase not only in testis weights but also in body weight and hormone concentrations under 24 hr of light. 6. It was concluded that photoperiod plays an important role in controlling the concentration and rhythm of androgens in mature male chickens.
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Trentini GP, De Gaetani CF, Criscuolo M, Balemans MG, Vaessen LM, Smith I. The effect of melatonin and other indole derivatives in maintaining ovulation in rats kept in continuous light and the influence of these indoles on HIOMT activity in the pineal gland. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1982; 53:305-14. [PMID: 7202040 DOI: 10.1007/bf01252041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the ovulation-maintaining effect of melatonin in rats, exposed to continuous light (LL), was also exerted by other pineal indoles which have been reported to influence the reproductive processes of mammals. The effect of 10 micrograms melatonin was compared with that of similar amounts of either N-acetylserotonin, 5-methoxytryptophol, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol, 5-methoxytryptamine or 5-methoxytryptophan. All these compounds appeared to be significantly less effective than melatonin in preventing the effect of LL, ovulation being preserved in only 20--33% of the rats investigated, with melatonin this percentage being 60--75%. Investigations were also carried out to assess the effect of these indole derivatives on HIOMT (hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase) activity in synthesizing different 5-methoxyindoles in the abnormally influenced pineal gland due to LL. Melatonin, the compound the effect of which on ovarian cyclicity is strongest, stimulates 5-methoxytryptophol synthesis; while other less active compounds stimulate the synthesis of melatonin and inhibit that of O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophol. The possibility that the effect of other indoles than melatonin on ovarian cyclicity might be due to stimulation of melatonin synthesis was considered. A possible functional relationship of the different indoles cannot be excluded.
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Pévet P, Haldar-Misra C. Effect of 5-methoxytryptamine on testicular atrophy induced by experimental or natural short photo-periods in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1982; 55:69-84. [PMID: 6957550 DOI: 10.1007/bf01243342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Pévet P, Haldar-Misra C, Ocal T. Effect of 5-methoxytryptophan and 5-methoxytryptamine on the reproductive system of the male golden hamster. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1981; 51:303-11. [PMID: 6945393 DOI: 10.1007/bf01248961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
S.c. injection of 25 microgram of methoxytryptamine (5-MT) in oil into adult male hamsters given between 4.30 and 5 p.m. (light on from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.: 14 L/10 D) for 51 consecutive days caused involution of the testes. Similar injections of 5-MT given between 8.30 and 9.30 a.m. completely failed to cause regression of the gonads. Under the same conditions, 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) did not induce gonadal atrophy, neither in the morning nor in the late afternoon. These results indicate that, like malatonin, 5-methoxytryptamine is implicated in the control of the reproductive function.
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Pévet P, Balemans MG, de Reuver GF. The pineal gland of the mole (Talpa europaea L.). VII. Activity of hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase (HIOMT) in the formation of 5-methoxytryptophan, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid, 5-methoxytryptophol and melantonin in the eyes and the pineal gland. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1981; 51:271-82. [PMID: 6169801 DOI: 10.1007/bf01248958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Using a method in which no substrate is added to the incubation medium, the capacity of HIOMT to synthesize 5-methoxytryptophan, 5-methoxytryptamine, 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid, 5-methoxytryptophol and melatonin has been determined in the pineal and the eyes of the mole, a mammal having an atrophied visual system. The results demonstrate that the indoleamine metabolism in the retina is similar to the indoleamine metabolism in the pineal. Moreover, in all animals studied both eyes together synthesize 2 to 30 times more of 5-methoxyindoles than the pineal, a result which proves again that the pineal is not the only and not always the most important source of 5-methoxyindoles. With the exception of 5-methoxyindole-3-acetic acid, the synthesis of which is practically neglectable, the production of all other 5-methoxyindoles in the pineal as well as in the retinae is always larger than that of melatonin. In the pineal, 5-methoxytryptophan, for example, is synthesized in a quantity which is 60 to 170 times larger than that of melatonin, while in the retinae the synthesized amount of 5-methoxytryptophan is even 60 to 1000 times larger than that of melatonin.
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Pévet P, Balemans MG, Legerstee WC, Vivien-Roels B. Circadian rhythmicity of the activity of hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT) in the formation of melatonin and 5-methoxytryptophol in the pineal, retina, and harderian gland of the golden hamster. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1980; 49:229-45. [PMID: 7463036 DOI: 10.1007/bf01252128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The day and night rhythms in the activity of HIOMT in the formation of melatonin of 5-methoxytryptophol have been determined in the pineal, retina and Harderian gland of the adult male golden hamster. In all hamsters used there was no detectable HIOMT activity in the deep pineal. In the superficial pineal HIOMT activity, involved in the synthesis of melatonin (Mel), was observed to be high at the end of the dark period and at the middle of the light period. Considering the HIOMT activity involved in the production of 5-methoxytryptophol (5-MTL), an increase in 5-MTL synthesis was observed only during the light period. Comparing the peak of Mel-production with that of 5-MTL it appears that during the light period the pineal produces more 5-MTL than Mel. In the Harderian glands, the circadian course of HIOMT activity involved in the synthesis of Mel seems to run parallel to that of the enzyme implicated in 5-MTL synthesis, both being stimulated at the end of the dark period. The activity of HIOMT in 5-MTL production is, however, always approximately 2 times higher than for Mel synthesis. In the retina the synthesis of Mel and 5-MTL is not significantly higher during the dark period than during the light period. However, the production of 5-MTL is larger than that of Mel. It appears that (1) with the exception of the end of the dark period, the extra-pineal synthesis of Mel and 5-MTL is always higher than that in the pineal; (2) the carcadian synthesis of 5-methoxyindoles is different in each organ, and (3) in the pineal the carcadian activity of HIOMT involved in 5-MTL formation is different from that of the same enzyme involved in the formation of Mel. The results are discussed.
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Smith I, Francis P, Leone RM, Mullen PE. Identification of O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophenol in the pineal gland by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Biochem J 1980; 185:537-40. [PMID: 7396831 PMCID: PMC1161385 DOI: 10.1042/bj1850537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The presence of O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophol in the pineal glands of rats kept in the dark for 8 h, but not in the light, has been shown by means of g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. It is suggested that this compound may be the biologically active precursor of circulating methoxytryptophol.
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Mullen PE, Leone R, Hooper J, Smith I, Silman RE, Finnie M, Carter S, Linsell C. Pineal 5-methoxy tryptophol in man. Psychoneuroendocrinology 1979; 4:117-26. [PMID: 574974 DOI: 10.1016/0306-4530(79)90025-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Carter SJ, Laud CA, Smith I, Leone RM, Silman RE, Hooper RJ, Larson-Carter DL, Finnie MD, Mullen PE. 5-methoxytryptophol in rat pineal glands and other tissues. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1979; 52:267-9. [PMID: 575799 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)62932-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Darre MJ, Harrison PC. Influence of gonadotropic releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone and pineal extracts on testes of immature cockerels. Poult Sci 1977; 56:2016-21. [PMID: 347422 DOI: 10.3382/ps.0562016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Two, seven, and ten-day-old S.C.W.L. cockerels were injected with pineal extract (PE), gonadotropic releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), alone or in combination, to determine the effect of PE on the action of exogenous GnRH and LH on the testis in immature cockerels. Radioactive phosphorus (P-32) uptake by the testis was used as an assay for gonadotropic activity. GnRH had no effects on cockerels aged two days. However, LH caused increased P-32 uptake compared to the saline control at this age. In seven- and ten-day-old cockerels, PE in combination with GnRH resulted in lower P-32 c.p.m./g. of testis compared to the non-PE treated birds at the same doses of GnRH. On the other hand, PE did not cause any decrease in testis response to LH. These results indicate that PE is acting to inhibit release of gonadotropins by GnRH.
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Cogburn LA, Harrison PC. Retardation of sexual development in pinealectomized Single Comb White Leghorn cockerels. Poult Sci 1977; 56:876-82. [PMID: 605060 DOI: 10.3382/ps.0560876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Balemans MG, van de Veerdonk FC, van de Kamer JC. Effect of injecting 5-methoxy indoles, pineal compounds, on testicular weight of white leghorn cockerels (Gallus domesticus L.). J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1977; 41:47-57. [PMID: 915499 DOI: 10.1007/bf01252964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
White leghorn cockerels of the same age with combs of about equal size and raised under identical conditions were injected with melatonin, 5-methoxytryptophol, or with 5-methoxytryptophol in combination with melatonin. Melatonin, injected in animals with small comb sizes, has no effect on testicular growth, whereas an inhibiting effect is noticed in animals with larger comb sizes. The 5-methoxytryptophol treated animals demonstrated stimulated testicular growth, which can be interpreted as an acceleration of the rhythm of growth. The stimulatory effect on testicular growth is more distinct if 5-methoxytryptophol is injected in combination with melatonin.
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Balemans MG, van de Veerdonk FC, van de Kamer JC. The influence of 5-methoxytryptophol, a pineal compound, on comb growth, ovarian weight, follicular growth and egg production of juvenile, maturing and adult white leghorn hens (Gallus domesticus L.). J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1977; 41:37-46. [PMID: 915498 DOI: 10.1007/bf01252963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Ebels I, Horwitz-Bresser AE. Separation of pineal extracts by gelfiltration. IV. Isolation, location and identification from sheep pineals of three indoles, identical with 5-hydroxytryptophol, 5-methoxytryptophol and melatonin. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1976; 38:31-41. [PMID: 1262862 DOI: 10.1007/bf01254138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aqueous extracts of sheep pineal bodies were separated on Sephadex G-25. A low molecular Sephadex G-25 fraction F4 was filtrated on Sephadex G-10. Several distinct peaks could be detected showing excitation and fluorescence maxima resembling those of indoles. A thinlayer chromatography study revealed that one Sephadex G-10 peak contained a spot identical with that of synthetic 5-methoxytryptophol, another a spot with the same Rf-values in different solvents as synthetic 5-hydroxytryptophol, while from a third peak a substance was isolated identical with synthetic melatonin. Mass spectra of the isolated compounds were recorded. These results are compared with those of previous isolation studies.
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Parathyroids, Ultimobranchial Glands, and the Pineal. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1976. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-96274-5_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Balemans MG. The inhibitory effect of 5-methoxytryptophol on ovarian weight, follicular growth and egg production of adult white leghorn hens (Gallus domesticus L.). J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1973; 34:159-69. [PMID: 4722574 DOI: 10.1007/bf01244669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Balemans MG. The stimulatory effects of several concentrations of 5-methoxytryptophol on testicular growth in the white leghorn (Gallus domesticus L.). J Neural Transm (Vienna) 1973; 34:49-60. [PMID: 4714593 DOI: 10.1007/bf01244826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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