Biomaterial Database

6-Methoxy-tetrahydro-beta-carboline and melatonin in the human retina. 1984

M Leino

The presence of two 5-methoxyindoles, 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (6-MeO- THBC ) and melatonin was demonstrated in human retinae using a highly specific gas chromatographic mass spectrometric method from eyes affected with various ocular diseases. Both compounds were found to occur in similar quantities. 6-MeO- THBC is a newly-identified endogenously-occurring retinal compound possibly acting as a neuromodulator. The importance of 6-MeO- THBC and other beta-carbolines especially compared to other 5-methoxyindoles is discussed.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007211	Indoles	Benzopyrroles with the nitrogen at the number one carbon adjacent to the benzyl portion, in contrast to ISOINDOLES which have the nitrogen away from the six-membered ring.
D008550	Melatonin	A biogenic amine that is found in animals and plants. In mammals, melatonin is produced by the PINEAL GLAND. Its secretion increases in darkness and decreases during exposure to light. Melatonin is implicated in the regulation of SLEEP, mood, and REPRODUCTION. Melatonin is also an effective antioxidant.
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D012160	Retina	The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the OPTIC NERVE and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the CHOROID and the inner surface with the VITREOUS BODY. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent.	Ora Serrata
D002243	Carbolines	A group of pyrido-indole compounds. Included are any points of fusion of pyridine with the five-membered ring of indole and any derivatives of these compounds. These are similar to CARBAZOLES which are benzo-indoles.	Carboline,Pyrido(4,3-b)Indole,Beta-Carbolines,Pyrido(4,3-b)Indoles,Beta Carbolines
D002648	Child	A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL.	Children
D005128	Eye Diseases	Diseases affecting the eye.	Eye Disorders,Eye Disease,Eye Disorder
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D000368	Aged	A person 65 years of age or older. For a person older than 79 years, AGED, 80 AND OVER is available.	Elderly