Stress and isatin: Effects on the serotonergic system

Abstract

In experimental models stress produces a number of endocrine and biochemical changes. The identification of a monoamine oxidase inhibiting substance in normal human urine which is raised in stressful situations has been of heuristic importance. This compound, known as tribulin, has been characterized by mass spectrometry as indole‐2, 3‐dione (isatin) which in part is responsible for the effects of tribulin. Some properties of isatin are reviewed and its effects on the serotonergic system in rats are described. Isatin produces similar effects to cold immobilization stress in rats, lending further support to the notion that this compound may be an important mediator of stress responses. Copyri..