In vitro rapid absorption of a synthetic amine by Catharanthus seedlings

We investigated the uptake of a synthetic amine (N- (methoxycarbonylethyl)-N-[2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]-β-methyl alaninate) by seedlings of C. roseus cultivated in vitro, and its effects on indole alkaloid accumulation. Root and aerial part indole alkaloids were analysed by HPLC and TLC. The results showed rapid absorption in the roots, which started less than 5 min after treatment, followed by transport to aerial parts between 5 and 15 min. The time courses of various alkaloids such as ajmalicine, serpentine, yohimbine, vindoline and catharanthine were synthetic amine treatment independent.