Identification of Tetrahydronorharmane (Tetrahydro-β-carboline) in Human Blood Platelets

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Abstract
Tetrahydronorharmane (tetrahydro-.beta.-carboline) exists in human platelets. The concentration of tetrahydronorharmane in platelets from 10 ml platelet-rich plasma was 9.3-25.6 pmol (n = 8). Ingestion of tryptamine hydrochloride (n = 4) 3 times daily for 3 consecutive days and of 19.6 mmol D,L-tryptophan (n = 7) on the evening (2200 h) before the blood collection did not lead to an increase of tetrahydronorharmane in platelets. [With respect to uptake, storage and metabolism of serotonin and catecholamines, blood platelets have quite similar properties to those of neuronal tissue. Because tetrahydronorhamone produces pharmacological effects in rats, which are similar to those of serotonin-like drugs and antagonistic to those of dopamine, its presence in platelets can be used as a peripheral indicator of central mechanisms.].

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