Myristicin and elemicin are phenylallyl derivatives present in nutmeg. The similarity of their chemical structure to that of mescaline or certain amphetamine derivatives has led to the assumption that the psychotropic effect of nutmeg in man is due to amphetamine derivatives endogenously produced from these phenylallyl precursors by bio-transformation. In our present study we investigated the metabolism of myristicin by rat liver, using the isolated perfused liver or incubation of liver homogenate. We have experimentally proved for the first time that rat liver is capable of converting myristicin into 3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MMDA). Identification of MMDA was achieved by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography of the dansylated amine and further by mass spectroscopy.

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The abuse of nutmeg for narcotic purposes has led to renewed chemical and pharmacological interest in this drug. Several allylbenzene derivatives whose biological transformation products have structures resembling mescaline and amphetamine have been identified as psychotropic constituents. It is suggested that the intensity of the hallucinogenic action of these compounds is due to the possibility of simulation of LSD-like structural elements.

Lectins have specificity for certain carbohydrate structures in macromolecules. Lectins are, therefore, useful histochemical tools for demonstrating the composition and localization of components of connective tissue matrices, such as articular cartilage. In order to assess the significance of observed lectin-binding patterns, experiments were performed in which monoclonal antibodies against chondroitin sulphate- and keratan sulphate-containing proteoglycans and link proteins were applied to sections of bovine articular cartilage after enzymatic digestion with chondroitinase ABC and keratanase. The following conclusions were made: (1) Binding of peanut agglutinin (PNA) in the interterritorial matrix predominantly indicates the presence of keratan sulphate, but may also detect O-linked oligosaccharides of proteoglycans. (2) In normal cartilage wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) binds nearly exclusively to keratan sulphate. In cartilage degraded with chondroitinase ABC and keratanase this lectin may also detect carbohydrates in link protein due to enhanced accessibility. Binding of WGA to O-linked oligosaccharides may eventually occur. (3) In enzymatically digested cartilage matrix, staining with soybean agglutinin (SBA) may be due to link protein, but not to chondroitin sulphate, because specific breakdown of the glycosaminoglycan chain is required for binding of SBA. (4) Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I) binding sites are only detectable in digested cartilage matrix.

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Summary. Since Friedhoff and Van Winkle in 1962, first found 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine (3,4-DMPEA) in the urine of schizophrenics, controversial findings on the occurrence of this metabolite in psychotics and normals have been published. !V[ost studies have been based on urine samples collected over only one or a few days. In the present investigation 14 acute schizophrenics with paranoid-hallucinatory behaviour were studied under double-blind conditions together with 8 non-schizophrenic patients and norma] subjects on a long-term basis with daily urine collections for 10--30 days. All schizophrenics and most of the control subjects received the same diet and medication. Biochemical identification of 3,4-DMPEA in urine was performed by ion-exchange and thin-layer chromatography of the dansylated amine fraction. The results reveal transient and periodic excretions of 3,4-DMPEA in all of the schizophrenic patients. Apparently 3,4-D1V[PEA was excreted a few days after exacerbations of psychotic behaviour. 3,4-DMPEA was not detectable in urine samples collected from any of the controls over 10, 20 or 30 days. A causal connection between 3,4-DMPEA excretion and exogenic factors such as diet or medication can be excluded.The present investigation demonstrates the necessity and importance of studying the excretion of abnormal metabolites in the urine of schizophrenic patients over longer periods.