Indolequinones

Adrenochrome is a chemical compound produced by the oxidation of adrenaline (epinephrine). It was the subject of limited research from the 1950s through to the 1970s as a potential cause of schizophrenia. While adrenochrome has no currently proven medical application, the semicarbazide derivative, carbazochrome, is a hemostatic medication. Adrenochrome is mass produced and commercially available to the public, and is not a controlled substance.

Indole-5,6-quinone is an indolequinone, a chemical compound found in the oxidative browning reaction of fruits like bananas where it is mediated by the tyrosinase type polyphenol oxidase from tyrosine and catecholamines leading to the formation of catechol melanin. Like many quinones it can undergo redox reactions via the corresponding 5,6-dihydroxyindole.

chemical compound

Dopachrome is a cyclization product of L-DOPA and is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of melanin. It may tautomerise to form DHICA.

Apaziquone (tentative trade name EOquin) is an indolequinone that is a bioreductive prodrug similar to the older chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C. In hypoxic cells, such as those on the inner surface of the urinary bladder, apaziquone is converted to active metabolites by intracellular reductases. The active metabolites alkylate DNA and lead to apoptosis. This activity is preferentially expressed in neoplastic cells.