Accepted_test
Adrenochrome formation during photochemical transformation of tailored epinephrine derivatives
Adrenergic receptors are essential regulators of neuronal, endocrine, cardiovascular, vegetative, and metabolic functions. These receptors are largely used as pharmacological targets.
Control of biological activity with light is a fascinating idea. Photolabile compounds, molecules modified with photoremovable protecting group, are one of the instruments for this purpose.
Photolabile analogs of adrenergic receptor agonists has been reported more than 30 years ago. We report that the photolysis of epinephrine analogs, apart from liberation of the epinephrine, is accompanied by a formation of significant amount of adrenochrome, a compound with neuro- and cardiotoxic effect.