Amines, biological methylation

The chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla may be considered to be modified sympathetic neurons that are able to synthesize E from NE by /V-methylation. In this case the amine is Hberated into the circulation, where it exerts effects similar to those of NE in addition, E exhibits effects different from those of NE, such as relaxation of lung muscle (hence its use in asthma). Small amounts of E are also found in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain stem where it may be involved in blood pressure regulation. DA, the precursor of NE, has biological activity in peripheral tissues such as the kidney, and serves as a neurotransmitter in several important pathways in the brain (1,2). 

Methyl transferases are responsible for methylation of a nucleophile, typically using SAM as the carbon donor. They are known to accept a wide range of nucleophiles such as halides (eq. 1 in Figure 13.22) [64], amines (eq. 2 in Figure 13.22) [65], hydroxyls, and enolates. As expected, the reactivity of methyl transfer to halides follows the order of iodide, bromide, and chloride, with chloride being the poorest acceptor. Methylation of amines in nucleotides and proteins plays important roles in biological activities. 

The PCBM methyl ester can be used for coupling amine-containing ligands after removal of the methyl group and activation of the carboxylate using a number of different reaction strategies. Hummelen et al. (1995) successfully coupled cholestanol and histamine to the fuller-ene-PCBM derivative (after acid chloride formation) for use in fabrication of photodetectors and biological studies, respectively. For specific applications of PCBM-fullerenes, see Shaheen et al. (2001), Brabec et al. (2001), Yu et al. (1995), Mecher et al. (2002), Meijer et al. (2003), van Duren et al. (2004), and Anthopoulos et al. (2004). 

To make use of the Mannich reaction it is possible to methylate the N-atom of the new side chain and eliminate trimethylamine. The product, a 3-methyleneindoleninium salt, can then be trapped with suitable nucleophiles. In the example shown in Scheme 7.7b, cyanide ion is used, and reduction of the resultant nitrile yields the important amine trypta-mine. Indol-3-ylacetonitrile is also the source of indol-3-ylacetic acid and other biologically useful compounds (see Section 7.1.7). 

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