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The significance of β-carbolines in psychiatry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

G.J. van Gelderen ,
D. Fekkes ,
L. Timmerman  and
L. Pepplinkhuizen
G.J. van Gelderen*
Affiliation:
Riagg Rotterdam Zuid, Rotterdam
D. Fekkes
Affiliation:
E.U.R., Werkgroep Pathofysiologie van gedrag, Rotterdam
L. Timmerman
Affiliation:
Delta Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis, Poortugaal
L. Pepplinkhuizen
Affiliation:
A.Z.R. Dijkzigt, afd. psychiatrie, Rotterdam
*
Riagg Rotterdam Zuid, Postbus 5250, 3008 AG Rotterdam
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Summary

In this review the naturally occurring β-carbolines norharman and harman in human beings and mammals will be discussed. These β-carbolines have been recognized as aromatic alkaloids, which can be detected in very low concentrations in human plasma. Norharman and especially harman display moderate affinity to the benzodiazepine receptor. The biosynthesis of these compounds in vivo, the localization, the biological effects and the probable involvement of these compounds in the cause of psychopathologic states will be discussed. This with a special focus on alcoholism, heroin addiction, psychosis and anxiety disorders. In some of these clinical pictures the concentration of norharman is increased. Whether this is a causality or a matter of minor importance is still unknown.

Keywords

β-carbolinesnorharmanharmanalcoholismheroin addictionpsychosisanxiety disordersβ-carbolinesnorharmanharmanalcoholismeheroïneverslavingpsychosenangststoornissen
Type
Research Article
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , December 1994 , pp. 61 - 65
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 1994

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