Carcinogenicity neurotransmitter effects

L-Tyrosine metabohsm and catecholamine biosynthesis occur largely in the brain, central nervous tissue, and endocrine system, which have large pools of L-ascorbic acid (128). Catecholamine, a neurotransmitter, is the precursor in the formation of dopamine, which is converted to noradrenaline and adrenaline. The precise role of ascorbic acid has not been completely understood. Ascorbic acid has important biochemical functions with various hydroxylase enzymes in steroid, dmg, andhpid metabohsm. The cytochrome P-450 oxidase catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to bUe acids and the detoxification process of aromatic dmgs and other xenobiotics, eg, carcinogens, poUutants, and pesticides, in the body (129). The effects of L-ascorbic acid on histamine metabohsm related to scurvy and anaphylactic shock have been investigated (130). Another ceUular reaction involving ascorbic acid is the conversion of folate to tetrahydrofolate. Ascorbic acid has many biochemical functions which affect the immune system of the body (131). 

Ibotenic acid is a likely carcinogen. In humans, poisoning is manifested by hallucinations. Ibotenic and tricholomic acids exhibit taste properties similar to those of monosodium glutamate (umami taste, see Section 8.3), but much more intense. Muscimol has similar effects as y-aminobutyric acid (GABA or 4-aminobutanoic acid), which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. 

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