In vivo NMR analysis of tropane alkaloid metabolism in transformed root and de-differentiated cultures of Datura stramonium

Abstract

In vivo 15N NMR spectroscopy has been used to study the metabolism of [ 15N]tropinone in transformed root cultures of Datura stramonium. It was shown that, within only 2–4 hr of application of the labelled precursor, labelled metabolites can readily be detected. It was further demonstrated that de-differentiated cultures, derived from the roots by treatment with phytohormones, are capable of metabolising [ 15N]tropinone to [ 15N]tropine and simple [ 15N]tropine esters but that these cultures cannot convert [ 15N]tropinone to [ 15N]hyoscyamine.