More recently its presence has been discovered in body fluids and tissues. It has a distinct and discontinuous distribution in the brain, with highest levels in the hippocampus and cerebellum. It is anxiogenic in animal models, and causes an increase in brain monoamine levels. It does not affect more than 50 other neuroregulatory systems at these levels. Thus isatin is a new, highly specialised, endogenous regulator which appears to have a role in the control of both stress and the natriuetic peptide system.
Nothing is known about the origin and subsequent metabolism of isatin.
The potency of a range of isatin analogues in the different systems under study will also be investigated. The project will involve the different skills and expertise of four separate groups, who will interact throughout the project for mutual benefit. Isatin may be of potential importance both as a new endogenous regulator, and in certain pathological conditions such as stress disorders and hypertension. Secondly the project will have investigated the potential use of isatin analogues as pharmacological tools. Currently there is no compound suitable for the pharmacological regulation of the ANP system.