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Other names | 5,6-DHT |
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ECHA InfoCard | 100.023.464 |
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Formula | C10H12N2O2 |
Molar mass | 192.218 g·mol−1 |
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5,6-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT) is a monoaminergic neurotoxin and tryptamine derivative related to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT).[1][2][3] It is a relatively selective serotonergic neurotoxin, but also acts as a dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotoxin at higher doses.[1][2][3] In addition, it produces widespread generalized toxicity at higher doses.[1] Its selective serotonergic neurotoxicity is due to its high affinity for the serotonin transporter (SERT).[2] Because of its SERT affinity, 5,6-DHT has activity as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor.[1]
The compound can be used in scientific research to lesion the brain serotonergic system in animals.[1][2][3] It has a number of limitations and disadvantages relative to 5,7-DHT however, which have made 5,7-DHT a more preferred serotonergic neurotoxin in scientific research.[3][1][2] Administration of 5,6-DHT (and 5,7-DHT) to animals causes dramatic behavioral changes.[1]
5,6-DHT was first described in the scientific literature by 1971.[1][2][3][4]