Tribulin: an endogenous monoamine oxidase inhibitor/benzodiazepine receptor ligand

Tribulin is a low molecular weight inhibitor both of monoamine oxidase and of benzodiazepine receptor binding. It has been highly purified from human urine and has also been isolated from human plasma and animal brain. Its structure is still unknown but its properties do not appear to correspond with any known monoamine or benzodiazepine receptor binding inhibitor. Tribulin output has been found to be increased in a variety of states associated with stress and anxiety, including lactate-induced panic attacks, alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal and generalized anxiety disorder.