Norepinephrine transmitter metabolite is a selective cell death messenger in differentiated rat pheochromocytoma cells.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde (DOPEGAL) is the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) metabolite of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (Epi). Oxidative metabolites of amines are predicted toxins. In this study we determine the toxicity of DOPEGAL, its tautomer 2',3,4-trihydroxyacetophenone (THAP) as well as NE, Epi and their oxidative and methylated metabolites in cultures of differentiated PC-12 cells. At 59.5 microM DOPEGAL, THAP and Epi, but not NE or other NE or Epi metabolites decreased PC-12 cells by 43.8%, 26.7% and 16.8% respectively. DOPEGAL toxicity was concentration and time dependent. Possible implications for degenerative diseases are discussed.