Reserpine

Molecule structure of reserpine

Reserpine is an alkaloid extracted from the roots of the Rauvolfia vomitoria and other Rauwolfia species. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and was one of the first drugs used to treat high blood pressure and mental disorders. Reserpine is classified as an indole alkaloid and has the chemical formula C33H40N2O9. Its structure consists of a yohimbine-like framework with a reserpic acid moiety attached.

Alfa Chemistry offers high-quality reserpine for research and development purposes.

Product Detail

Product Name	Reserpine
CAS No.	50-55-5
Catalog	ALKS50555
Molecular Weight	608.69
Molecular Formula	C33H40N2O9
Purity	≥ 98%
Appearance	White powder
Melting Point	264 - 265 °C
Solubility	Easily soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, glacial acetic acid, soluble in benzene and ethyl acetate, slightly soluble in acetone, methanol, ethanol, ether, acetic acid and dilute aqueous solutions of citric acid.
Application	Used for content determination, identification, pharmacological experiments, activity screening, etc.
Storage	Refrigerate at 4 °C, seal tightly, and avoid light (valid for 2 years under this condition)

Applications of Reserpine

Antihypertensive: Reserpine was historically used to manage hypertension. By reducing the levels of norepinephrine, it decreases vascular resistance and lowers blood pressure.
Antipsychotic: Reserpine has been used to treat certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. Its ability to deplete neurotransmitters can help manage symptoms of psychosis.
Research Tool: Reserpine is used in pharmacological research to study the role of neurotransmitters in various physiological and pathological processes. It is also used to create animal models of depression and other disorders for research purposes.

Mechanism of Action

Reserpine works by irreversibly blocking H⁺-coupled vesicular monoamine transporters, specifically VMAT1 and VMAT2. VMAT1 is primarily found in neuroendocrine cells, whereas VMAT2 is predominantly expressed in neurons. The blockade of neuronal VMAT2 by reserpine inhibits the uptake and reduces the stores of monoamine neurotransmitters—norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, and histamine—in the synaptic vesicles of neurons. Here's how it works in detail:

Blockade of VMAT1 and VMAT2

VMAT1 and VMAT2 are responsible for transporting neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles. VMAT1 is found mainly in neuroendocrine cells, while VMAT2 is located primarily in neurons. Reserpine binds irreversibly to these transporters, with a notable impact on VMAT2 in neurons, preventing the vesicular storage of neurotransmitters.

Inhibition of Neurotransmitter Uptake

VMAT2 normally transports free intracellular norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine from the presynaptic nerve terminal into synaptic vesicles for release into the synaptic cleft through exocytosis. By inhibiting VMAT2, reserpine prevents this uptake, resulting in the accumulation of these neurotransmitters in the cytoplasm of the nerve terminals.

Depletion of Neurotransmitter Stores

Neurotransmitters that are not protected within vesicles are exposed to degradation by enzymes such as monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which are located on the outer membrane of mitochondria in the cytosol of axon terminals. This enzymatic breakdown prevents neurotransmitters from being released into the synaptic cleft, thereby reducing the excitation of post-synaptic cells.

Decrease in Neurotransmitter Pool

The blockade of VMAT2 by reserpine leads to a significant reduction in the available pool of neurotransmitters within the neurons. This decrease in neurotransmitter levels results in a lower amplitude of neurotransmitter release during synaptic transmission.

Long-lasting Effects

The irreversible nature of reserpine's binding to VMAT2 means that the effects are prolonged. The body requires days to weeks to synthesize and replenish new VMAT proteins. Consequently, the pharmacological effects of reserpine, such as reduced sympathetic tone and altered mood, can persist long after the drug is administered.

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