MDL (short for Methoxy Dihydro Lysergol) is a metabolite of the drug nicergoline. It is member of the ergoline family and is a dehydrogenated and methoxylated lysergol (a lysergol in which the double bond between carbon atoms 9 and 10 has been hydrogenated and a methoxy group is attached to the 10th carbon atom in the α-configuration). MDL is formed as a result of the N-demethylation of the metabolite MMDL; the enzyme CYP2D6 plays a key role in this chemical reaction, and its individual functional activity determines the efficiency with which this drug is metabolised in the body.
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics Little is known about the serotonergic activity of MDL; however, there is a study evaluating the antioxidant activity of nicergoline metabolites, in which MDL and MMDL protect tissues from oxidation, prevent a drop in glutathione levels and halt lipid peroxidation. In combination with nicergoline, it stimulates astrocytes, causing them to release protective growth factors (TGF-beta and GDNF); however, the metabolite MMDL did not exhibit this effect. It mildly stimulates the synthesis of noradrenaline in the brain and has a weak (low) affinity for alpha-1-adrenoceptors.
See also Substituted ergoline
References