monocrotaline pyrrole

Monocrotaline pyrrole is a **toxic, electrophilic, bifunctional alkylating metabolite** of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid monocrotaline, formed mainly in the liver. It is highly reactive and binds covalently to DNA, causing **DNA cross-linking, delayed cytotoxicity, inhibition of cell proliferation, and direct cellular injury**, especially to pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In animal models, intravenous administration leads to **delayed and progressive pulmonary vascular injury**, manifesting as pulmonary edema, vascular remodeling, pulmonary hypertension, and right heart hypertrophy. These effects make it a well-established compound for inducing pulmonary hypertension in preclinical studies. The mechanism involves direct DNA and protein alkylation and disruption of vascular cell signaling, including Smad pathway alterations. Monocrotaline pyrrole is not used therapeutically in humans but serves as a research tool to model lung vascular disease and toxicity[1][3][5][6].

Other names

DehydromonocrotalineMonocrotaline, 3,8-didehydro-3,8-DidehydromonocrotalineMonocrotaline pyrrole metaboliteDehydro Monocrotaline