2. Metabolic Enzyme/Protease Neuronal Signaling GPCR/G Protein
  3. Tryptophan Hydroxylase 5-HT Receptor
  4. PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride

PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride  (Synonyms: 4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride)

Cat. No.: HY-101456 Purity: 99.89%
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PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride), a reversible tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, is a serotonin (5-HT) synthesis inhibitor. PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride crosses the blood brain barrier and reduces 5-HT central availability.

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

CAS No. : 14173-40-1

Size Price Stock Quantity
Solid + Solvent (Highly Recommended)
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO
ready for reconstitution
 In-stock
Solution
10 mM * 1 mL in DMSO In-stock
Solid
1 g In-stock
5 g In-stock
10 g In-stock
50 g   Get quote  

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Based on 5 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride:

PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride Related Antibodies

Top Publications Citing Use of Products

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Neurochem Res. 2025 Sep 24;50(5):306.  [Abstract]

    To explore the effects of BSXMD treatment on insomnia male rats, PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (PCPA)-induced insomnia modeling, treatment intervention and behavioral tests were performed according to the timeline shown in Fig.

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Neurochem Res. 2025 Sep 24;50(5):306.  [Abstract]

    Compared with normal male rats, rats in the insomnia model group (PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride, 350 mg/kg, ip) exhibited dull fur and a significant decrease in body weight. Following treatment with BSXMD or diazepam, the fur of the insomniac rats became smooth and lustrous, and their body weight increased.

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Res. 2022 Jun;32(6):555-569.  [Abstract]

    The tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (pCPA) most significantly decreased the ratios of ISCs in small intestines (SI).

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Res. 2022 Jun;32(6):555-569.  [Abstract]

    The tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (pCPA) most significantly decreased the ratios of ISCs in colons.

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Res. 2022 Jun;32(6):555-569.  [Abstract]

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (pCPA)-treated mice were treated with 10 Gy’s radiation, and sacrificed at indicated time points. Intestinal tissues were collected for H&E staining (upper panel). Numbers of intact crypts were shown in lower panel (means ± SD). Five 2-month-old mice were used and 20 fields were taken for each group. 150 mg/kg pCPA was intraperitoneally injected.

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Cell Res. 2022 Jun;32(6):555-569.  [Abstract]

    Two-month old mice were treated with 5-HT inhibitor PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (pCPA) for 36 h and 72 h, and representative H&E images of SI and colon were shown in left panel. 100 fields from five mice were observed and shown in right panel. 150 mg/kg PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (pCPA) was intraperitoneally injected.

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    • References

    • Customer Review

    Description

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (4-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride), a reversible tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, is a serotonin (5-HT) synthesis inhibitor. PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride crosses the blood brain barrier and reduces 5-HT central availability[1][2].

    IC50 & Target[1][2]

    serotonin

     

    Tryptophan Hydroxylase

     

    In Vivo

    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride (250-500 mg/kg; oral administration; daily; for 8 weeks) treatment significantly decreases serotonin levels in both hippocampus and cortex[3].
    In C57BL/6 elite male mice, 5-HT levels decreased by 85% and 55% in the hippocampus of mice treated with oral or ip PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride, respectively, whereas in the prefrontal cortex, 5-HT levels decreased by 65% (oral) and 50% (ip)[3].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Animal Model: C57BL/6 elite male mice (3 months old)[3]
    Dosage: 500 mg/kg per day for the first 2 days and 250 mg/kg for the rest of the treatment
    Administration: Oral administration; daily; for 8 weeks
    Result: Serotonin levels were significantly decreased in both hippocampus and cortex.
    Molecular Weight

    250.12

    Formula

    C10H13Cl2NO2
    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Solid

    Color

    White to off-white

    SMILES

    NC(CC1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1)C(OC)=O.Cl
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
    Storage

    4°C, sealed storage, away from moisture

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture)

    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 50 mg/mL (199.90 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    H2O : 50 mg/mL (199.90 mM; ultrasonic and warming and heat to 60°C)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 3.9980 mL 19.9900 mL 39.9800 mL
    5 mM 0.7996 mL 3.9980 mL 7.9960 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

    Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

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    Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

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    In Vivo:

    Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

    For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
    To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 5 mg/mL (19.99 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% DMSO    90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

      Solubility: ≥ 5 mg/mL (19.99 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.

    For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly. It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  PBS

      Solubility: 100 mg/mL (399.80 mM); Clear solution; Need ultrasonic

    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

    mg/kg

    Animal weight
    (per animal)

    g

    Dosing volume
    (per animal)

    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    This product has good water solubility, please refer to the measured solubility data in water/PBS/Saline for details.
    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only.If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.89%

    SDS (393 KB)

    COA (247 KB) HNMR (246 KB) LCMS (262 KB)

    Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    DMSO / H2O 1 mM 3.9980 mL 19.9900 mL 39.9800 mL 99.9500 mL
    5 mM 0.7996 mL 3.9980 mL 7.9960 mL 19.9900 mL
    10 mM 0.3998 mL 1.9990 mL 3.9980 mL 9.9950 mL
    15 mM 0.2665 mL 1.3327 mL 2.6653 mL 6.6633 mL
    20 mM 0.1999 mL 0.9995 mL 1.9990 mL 4.9975 mL
    25 mM 0.1599 mL 0.7996 mL 1.5992 mL 3.9980 mL
    30 mM 0.1333 mL 0.6663 mL 1.3327 mL 3.3317 mL
    40 mM 0.1000 mL 0.4998 mL 0.9995 mL 2.4988 mL
    50 mM 0.0800 mL 0.3998 mL 0.7996 mL 1.9990 mL
    60 mM 0.0666 mL 0.3332 mL 0.6663 mL 1.6658 mL
    80 mM 0.0500 mL 0.2499 mL 0.4998 mL 1.2494 mL
    100 mM 0.0400 mL 0.1999 mL 0.3998 mL 0.9995 mL

    * Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.

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    PCPA methyl ester hydrochloride Related Classifications

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    • Do most proteins show cross-species activity?

      Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

    Keywords:

    PCPA methyl ester14173-40-14-Chloro-DL-phenylalanine methyl esterTryptophan Hydroxylase5-HT ReceptorSerotonin Receptor5-hydroxytryptamine Receptorinsomniareversible5-HTBBBInhibitorinhibitorinhibit

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