Central Aromatic Amine Levels and Behavior

Biologically active amines in the mammalian brain are increasingly recognized as key to behavior, with psychotherapeutic agents influencing them in distinct ways. Reserpine depletes brain norepinephrine and serotonin to produce tranquillizing effects, while monoamine oxidase inhibitors hinder amine destruction to energize. Phenothiazines block amine effects by competing for receptor sites. Hallucinogens like LSD-25 and psilocybin block certain amine effects but also mimic other amines, suggesting a dual action that may underlie their psychoactive properties.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Introduction The significance to behavior of biologically active amines normally present in the mammalian brain has been receiving increased attention by workers in diversified fields in recent years. This trend has been accelerated by the recognition that a number of potent psychotherapeutic agents seem to assert their beneficial effects by influencing these amines in various ways. For example, the tranquillizing agent reserpine is thought to act by depleting the brain of norepinephrine, serotonin, and possibly other amines,3,9while the psychic energizing monoamine oxidase inhibitors are thought to act by hindering their destruction.4Phenothiazines are known to block both peripheral and central effects of a number of amines, presumably by competing for receptor sites. Hallucinogenic agents such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD-25) and psilocybin also block certain effects of various amines, but many have the additional property of mimicking the actions of other amines. Relationships between hallucinogenic agents, psychoactive