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The biosynthesis of dimethyltryptamine in vivo
Abstract:
The in vivo formation of dimethyltryptamine was studied in rabbits, rats and monkeys. When C14-labelled N-methyltryptamine was administered by intravenous injection to rabbits, C14-dimethyltryptamine was found in lung, the principle site of the methyltransferase that biosynthesizes this psychotogen. Unequivocal evidence for C14-dimethyltryptamine formation in rat tissues was not obtained. When rabbits were given non-radioactive N-methyltryptamine intravenously, dimethyltryptamine appeared in carotid arterail blood, peaking within the first minute after injection of the precursor. USing this assay procedure we could not demonstrate dimethyltryptamine synthesis in the rhesus monkey.
Insights
Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is synthesized in rabbit lungs from N-methyltryptamine. This study investigated DMT formation in vivo, finding it primarily in rabbit lungs but not conclusively in rats or rhesus monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound.
- The biosynthesis pathway of DMT, particularly the enzymes involved, is not fully elucidated.
- Understanding DMT formation is crucial for its pharmacological and toxicological implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo formation of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in mammalian species.
- To identify the primary site of DMT biosynthesis.
- To assess the feasibility of DMT synthesis in rats and rhesus monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous administration of C14-labelled N-methyltryptamine to rabbits.
- Analysis of C14-dimethyltryptamine in various tissues, particularly lung.
- Measurement of DMT in carotid arterial blood following N-methyltryptamine injection.
- Assay for DMT synthesis in rats and rhesus monkeys.
Main Results:
- C14-dimethyltryptamine was unequivocally identified in rabbit lung tissue, indicating it as a primary site of synthesis.
- N-methyltryptamine administration in rabbits led to a rapid appearance of DMT in carotid arterial blood.
- No conclusive evidence for C14-dimethyltryptamine formation was obtained in rat tissues.
- DMT synthesis could not be demonstrated in the rhesus monkey using the employed assay.
Conclusions:
- Rabbit lung possesses the methyltransferase activity necessary for in vivo DMT biosynthesis from N-methyltryptamine.
- The study provides evidence for DMT formation in rabbits but not conclusively in rats or rhesus monkeys.
- Further research is needed to clarify DMT synthesis pathways in other species.