Alstonine is an indoloquinolizidine alkaloid and putative antipsychotic constituent of various plant species including '' Alstonia boonei'', '' Catharanthus roseus'', '' Picralima nitida'', '' Rauwolfia caffra'' and '' Rauwolfia vomitoria''. In preclinical studies alstonine attenuates MK-801-induced hyperlocomotion, working memory deficit and social withdrawal. It also possesses anxiolytic-like effects in preclinical studies, attenuates

amphetamine Amphetamine (contracted from alpha- methylphenethylamine) is a strong central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. It is also commonly used ...

-induced lethality and stereotypy as well as apomorphine-induced stereotypy, and attenuates haloperidol-induced catalepsy. These effects appear to be mediated by stimulation of the 5-HT_2C receptor. In addition, alstonine, similarly to clozapine, indirectly inhibits the reuptake of

glutamate Glutamic acid (symbol Glu or E; the ionic form is known as glutamate) is an α-amino acid that is used by almost all living beings in the biosynthesis of proteins. It is a non-essential nutrient for humans, meaning that the human body can syn ...

in hippocampal slices. Unlike clozapine however, the effect of which is abolished by the D₂ receptor

agonist An agonist is a chemical that activates a receptor to produce a biological response. Receptors are cellular proteins whose activation causes the cell to modify what it is currently doing. In contrast, an antagonist blocks the action of the ago ...

apomorphine, alstonine requires 5-HT_2A and 5-HT_2C receptors to produce this effect, as it is abolished by

antagonist An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the chief foe of the protagonist. Etymology The English word antagonist comes from the Greek ἀνταγωνιστής – ''antagonistēs'', "opponent, competitor, villain, enemy, riv ...

s of these receptors. Also unlike clozapine, alstonine lacks pro-convulsant activity in mice.

References

Indoloquinolizines Antipsychotics Indole alkaloids Serotonin receptor agonists Methyl esters Heterocyclic compounds with 5 rings Quaternary ammonium compounds {{nervous-system-drug-stub

See also

References