The substance mainly responsible for the red colors produced during the mild oxidation of adrenaline. Adrenochrome has been used to study the effect of adrenochrome on coronary artery constriction in the rat heart. Adrenochrome is an oxidation product of adrenaline. It has been implicated in cardiotoxicity. It is a short-lived cytotoxic molecule and is part of the leukocyte response used to kill bacteria. Adrenochrome is also suggested to exhibit psychotomimetic effects. It is used to determine superoxide dismutase activity.
Method for Determining Identity:Proton NMR (D2O) and MS
TLC Conditions:C18; Methanol : Water (8 : 2). Visualized with naked eye and AMCS (Rf= 0.65).
Melting Point:As reported
Solubility:Methanol (Slightly), Water
Storage and Stability:May be stored at RT for short-term only. Long-term storage is recommended at -20°C. Amber Vial. Under Inert Atmosphere. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap.
