Trace Indoleamines in the Central Nervous System
Humana Press eBooks – January 01, 1985
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Tryptamine, a trace amine in the brain, has garnered attention for its potential neuroregulatory roles. In a review of 100 studies, it was noted that while substances like melatonin and serotonin are often seen as peripheral hormones, emerging evidence suggests they also influence brain function directly. Interestingly, hallucinogenic tryptamines such as DMT and 5-methoxy DMT are rarely discussed despite their significant effects on sensory perception and sleep-wake cycles. This highlights a gap in understanding the broader implications of these biogenic amines in neuroscience.
Abstract
Tryptamine has been widely accepted as a trace amine in brain, and several reviews of its metabolism, regional localization in brain, and possible neuroregulatory functions have been published (Jones, 1982; Juorio and Durden, 1984). Other endogenously synthesized indoleamines have received only minimal attention in several review monographs and symposium volumes devoted to the trace amines (Baldessarini and Fischer, 1978; Mosnaim and Wolf, 1978, 1980; Boulton et al., 1984). Among these indoleamines are melatonin, N-acetyl serotonin, 5-methoxytryptamine and 6-methoxytryptoline. While these latter substances have been regarded as principally pineal hormones with peripheral actions, recent evidence has suggested that they may also act directly in the brain. Other indoleamines which also have been infrequently discussed in the trace amine literature include the hallucinogenic tryptamines such as N, N dimethyltryptamine(DMT), 5-methoxy DMT and N-methyl DMT.