Effects of Anonaine on Dopamine Biosynthesis in PC12 Cells.

The effects of anonaine, an aporphine isoquinoline alkaloid, on dopamine biosynthesis and L-DOPA-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells were investigated. Treatment of PC12 cells with 0.05 ${\mu}$M anonaine showed a significant inhibition of dopamine content. The IC$\sub$50/ value of anonaine was 0.05 ${\mu}$M. Under the same conditions, 0.05 ${\mu}$M anonaine also inhibited tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity at 24 h (62.0% inhibition of the control level). TH mRNA levels were also decreased by the treatment with anonaine. (omitted)