5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) is a purported
neurotoxin
Neurotoxins are toxins that are destructive to nerve tissue (causing neurotoxicity). Neurotoxins are an extensive class of exogenous chemical neurological insultsSpencer 2000 that can adversely affect function in both developing and matur ...
used in scientific research to decrease concentrations of
serotonin in the brain. The mechanism behind this effect is not well understood, but it is speculated to selectively destroy
serotonergic
Serotonergic () or serotoninergic () means "pertaining to or affecting serotonin". Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. A synapse
In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that permits a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chem ...
neuron
A neuron, neurone, or nerve cell is an membrane potential#Cell excitability, electrically excitable cell (biology), cell that communicates with other cells via specialized connections called synapses. The neuron is the main component of nervous ...
s, in a manner similar to the
dopaminergic
Dopaminergic means "related to dopamine" (literally, "working on dopamine"), dopamine being a common neurotransmitter. Dopaminergic substances or actions increase dopamine-related activity in the brain. Dopaminergic brain pathways facilitate do ...
neurotoxicity of
6-hydroxydopamine
Oxidopamine, also known as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenethylamine, is a neurotoxic synthetic organic compound used by researchers to selectively destroy dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brain.
The main use for ...
(6-OHDA). What is known is that this compound is in fact not selective in depleting serotonin content, but also depletes norepinephrine. To selectively deplete serotonin stores, it is commonly administered in conjunction with desmethylimipramine (
desipramine
Desipramine, sold under the brand name Norpramin among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used in the treatment of depression. It acts as a relatively selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, though it does also have other activiti ...
),
[Martin-Iverson, M.T., Leclere, J.F. and Fibiger, H.C., Cholinergic-dopaminergic interactions and the mechanisms of action of antidepressants, ''European Journal of Pharmacology'', 94 (1983) 193–201.] which inhibits the norepinephrine transporter.
See also
*
DSP-4 ''For the Super NES enhancement chip see List of Super NES enhancement chips''
DSP-4, or N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine, is a neurotoxin selective for noradrenergic neurons, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier.
It exerts ...
*
6-Hydroxydopamine
Oxidopamine, also known as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 2,4,5-trihydroxyphenethylamine, is a neurotoxic synthetic organic compound used by researchers to selectively destroy dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brain.
The main use for ...
(6-OHDA)
*
''para''-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)
References
Neurotoxins
Tryptamines
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