Antagonistic effect of dopamine structural analogues on human GABAρ1 receptor

A journey across dopamine Metabolism: A rotational study of DOPAC

DOPAC, a relevant scaffold in dopamine metabolism, was probed in the gas phase and interrogated by high-resolution rotational spectroscopy. Herein, three distinct conformers were isolated in a supersonic jet and identified for the first time through an examination of the trend of the rotational constants and the dipole moment selection rules. Additionally, we examined the plausible relaxation pathways of the low-energy conformers of DOPAC, which helped us to claim the indirect detection of two additional conformers, providing conclusive experimental evidence of the flexible nature of this biomolecule. The current investigation sheds some light on the differences between jet-cooled rotational experiments and matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy.

A reassessment of the safety profile of monoamine oxidase inhibitors: elucidating tired old tyramine myths

This review appraises over 150 recent original papers reporting data that demonstrate the greatly reduced tyramine content of modern-day 'foods', about which the medical literature has a paucity of information. It discusses the cardiovascular pharmacology of tyramine and the characteristics, extent, risks, and treatment of the blood pressure increases that sometimes result from tyramine ingestion (the pressor response). In past decades, cheese was the only food associated with documented fatalities resulting from hypertension. Today, few foods contain problematically high tyramine levels, which is a result of changes in international food production techniques (especially the use of starter cultures), and hygiene regulations. Nowadays, even 'matured' cheeses are usually safe in healthy-sized portions. The mechanism by which tyramine may be produced in foods (by certain micro-organisms) is explained and hundreds of recent estimations of cheeses are reviewed. Numerous other previously inadequately documented foods are reviewed, including fish and soy sauces, salami-type sausages, dried meats, beers, wines, and various condiments. Evidence that the risk of harm from the pressor response has previously been overstated is reviewed, and the iatrogenic harms from hasty and aggressive treatment of hypertensive urgency are re-evaluated. Evidence now suggests that MAOIs are of comparable safety to many newer drugs and are straightforward to use. Previously held concerns about MAOIs are misplaced and some are of over-estimated consequence. The variability of pressor sensitivity to tyramine between individuals means that the knowledge and judgement of doctors, and some care, are still required.