Desmethylselegiline: Difference between revisions

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== Chemical Properties ==
== Chemical Properties ==


Desmethylselegiline is a derivative of selegiline, characterized by the removal of a methyl group from the nitrogen atom in the propargylamine moiety of selegiline. This structural modification results in a compound with distinct pharmacological properties.
Desmethylselegiline is a derivative of selegiline, formed by the demethylation of the N-methyl group. Its chemical structure is characterized by the presence of a propargylamine moiety, which is crucial for its biological activity. The compound is a selective and irreversible inhibitor of [[monoamine oxidase B]] (MAO-B), an enzyme that breaks down [[dopamine]] in the brain.


== Pharmacology ==
== Pharmacology ==


Desmethylselegiline is an active metabolite of selegiline, contributing to its therapeutic effects. It functions primarily as a selective and irreversible [[monoamine oxidase B]] (MAO-B) inhibitor. By inhibiting MAO-B, desmethylselegiline increases the levels of [[dopamine]] in the brain, which is beneficial in the management of Parkinson's disease symptoms.
Desmethylselegiline retains the MAO-B inhibitory activity of its parent compound, selegiline. By inhibiting MAO-B, desmethylselegiline increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is beneficial in the management of Parkinson's disease. This action helps alleviate symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia.


=== Mechanism of Action ===
In addition to its effects on dopamine, desmethylselegiline may also influence other neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its antidepressant properties. The compound's ability to modulate the [[dopaminergic system]] is thought to underlie its potential therapeutic effects in mood disorders.
 
The inhibition of MAO-B by desmethylselegiline prevents the breakdown of dopamine, thereby enhancing dopaminergic activity. This mechanism is crucial in neurodegenerative conditions where dopamine levels are depleted.


== Clinical Significance ==
== Clinical Significance ==


Desmethylselegiline, as a metabolite of selegiline, plays a significant role in the drug's efficacy and safety profile. The presence of this metabolite contributes to the prolonged action of selegiline, allowing for once-daily dosing in clinical practice.
Desmethylselegiline is not used as a standalone medication but is an important active metabolite of selegiline. Understanding its role helps in optimizing the therapeutic use of selegiline, particularly in adjusting dosages and predicting patient responses. The presence of desmethylselegiline in the body can also be a marker for compliance in patients prescribed selegiline.
 
=== Therapeutic Uses ===
 
While desmethylselegiline itself is not used as a standalone therapeutic agent, its formation in the body is essential for the full therapeutic effect of selegiline in treating Parkinson's disease and depression.


== Metabolism ==
== Research and Development ==


Selegiline is metabolized in the liver to desmethylselegiline and other metabolites, including [[l-methamphetamine]] and [[l-amphetamine]]. The formation of desmethylselegiline is a key step in the metabolic pathway, influencing the drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Research into desmethylselegiline has focused on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Studies have explored its potential neuroprotective effects, which may extend beyond the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The compound's ability to inhibit MAO-B without affecting MAO-A at therapeutic doses is of particular interest, as it reduces the risk of hypertensive crises associated with non-selective MAO inhibitors.


[[File:Desmethylselegiline3D.png|3D molecular structure of Desmethylselegiline|thumb|left]]
[[File:Desmethylselegiline3D.png|3D model of Desmethylselegiline|thumb|left]]


== Safety and Side Effects ==
== Related Compounds ==


The safety profile of desmethylselegiline is closely linked to that of selegiline. Common side effects associated with selegiline, and by extension its metabolites, include nausea, dizziness, and insomnia. The risk of hypertensive crisis, a concern with non-selective MAO inhibitors, is significantly reduced with selective MAO-B inhibitors like desmethylselegiline.
Desmethylselegiline is related to other MAO-B inhibitors, such as [[rasagiline]] and [[safinamide]]. These compounds share similar mechanisms of action but differ in their pharmacokinetic profiles and clinical applications.


== Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
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[[Category:Monoamine oxidase inhibitors]]
[[Category:Monoamine oxidase inhibitors]]
[[Category:Parkinson's disease treatments]]
[[Category:Parkinson's disease treatments]]
[[Category:Antidepressants]]

Latest revision as of 20:23, 5 March 2025

Desmethylselegiline[edit]

Chemical structure of Desmethylselegiline

Desmethylselegiline, also known as N-desmethylselegiline, is a chemical compound that is a metabolite of the drug selegiline. It is primarily known for its role in the pharmacological effects of selegiline, which is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and major depressive disorder.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Desmethylselegiline is a derivative of selegiline, formed by the demethylation of the N-methyl group. Its chemical structure is characterized by the presence of a propargylamine moiety, which is crucial for its biological activity. The compound is a selective and irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain.

Pharmacology[edit]

Desmethylselegiline retains the MAO-B inhibitory activity of its parent compound, selegiline. By inhibiting MAO-B, desmethylselegiline increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is beneficial in the management of Parkinson's disease. This action helps alleviate symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia.

In addition to its effects on dopamine, desmethylselegiline may also influence other neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its antidepressant properties. The compound's ability to modulate the dopaminergic system is thought to underlie its potential therapeutic effects in mood disorders.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Desmethylselegiline is not used as a standalone medication but is an important active metabolite of selegiline. Understanding its role helps in optimizing the therapeutic use of selegiline, particularly in adjusting dosages and predicting patient responses. The presence of desmethylselegiline in the body can also be a marker for compliance in patients prescribed selegiline.

Research and Development[edit]

Research into desmethylselegiline has focused on its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Studies have explored its potential neuroprotective effects, which may extend beyond the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The compound's ability to inhibit MAO-B without affecting MAO-A at therapeutic doses is of particular interest, as it reduces the risk of hypertensive crises associated with non-selective MAO inhibitors.

3D model of Desmethylselegiline

Related Compounds[edit]

Desmethylselegiline is related to other MAO-B inhibitors, such as rasagiline and safinamide. These compounds share similar mechanisms of action but differ in their pharmacokinetic profiles and clinical applications.

Related Pages[edit]

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