In this study we demonstrate for the first time that GSH could rapidly conjugate with dopamine (DA)-derived DA-o-quinones without enzymatic catalysis to form short-lived intermediate GSH-conjugates (2-S-GSH-DA-o-quinone and 5-S-GSH-DA-o-quinone). These intermediate GSH-conjugates are unstable and would finally form reactive or non-reactive GSH-conjugates dependent on ambient reductive forces. Under insufficient reductive forces, the intermediate GSH-conjugates could cyclize spontaneously to form reactive 7-S-GSH-aminochrome (7-S-GSH-AM). The 7-S-GSH-AM is so reactive that it could further react with another GSH to form 4,7-bi-GSH-5,6-dihydroindole. Its reactivity could also abrogate tyrosinase activity in solutions. In addition, the 7-S-GSH-AM could... |