Flavonoids as dopaminergic neuromodulators

Abstract

SCOPE: The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate flavonoids effects on organic cation uptake in neuronal cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: Uptake experiments were conducted using radiolabeled methyl-4-phenylpyridinuim ([3 H]-MPP+ ), in human neuronal dopaminergic cells, SH-SY5Y. Catechin did not alter [3 H]-MPP+ uptake, however its metabolite 4'-methyl-catechin decreased it by almost 50%. Epicatechin and its methylated metabolites also decreased [3 H]-MPP+ uptake. Interestingly, the quercetin flavonol and its metabolite conjugated with glucuronic acid, as well as the flavanones naringenin and hesperitin, increased [3 H]-MPP+ uptake. CONCLUSION: These results showed that different classes of flavonoids, as well as its metabolites, differently influence neuronal organic cation uptake. Several xeno- and endobiotics, including neurotransmitters, are organic cations. Specific food recommendations may be beneficial in pathological conditions where levels of neurotransmitters, as dopamine, are either increased or decreased. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. KEYWORDS: Dopamine transporter; Dopaminergic cells; Flavonoids; Methyl-4-phenylpyridinuim; Organic cation transport