Mini Review Article
Some aspects of basic psychopharmacology: The trace amines

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Abstract

  • 1.

    Some recent research on the behavioural effects of phenylethylamine and some recent data implicating the trace amines in schizophrenia, agoraphobia and aggression are briefly outlined.

  • 2.

    Phenylethylamine produces in mice a distinctive hyperactivity syndrome consisting of two phases; it appears to act via dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine on different components of these stereotypies.

  • 3.

    Urinary unconjugated tryptamine, and meta- and para-tyramine appear to be excreted in reduced amounts in schizophrenia and bipolar depression.

  • 4.

    The blood levels of the trace acids phenylacetic and meta- and para-hydroxyphenylacetic are reduced in schizophrenia.

  • 5.

    Blood levels of conjugated phenylacetic and unconjugated para-hydroxyphenylacetic acid are reduced in violent as opposed to non-violent offenders.

  • 6.

    The neuromodulatory role of the trace amines and their possible involvement in components of behaviour and certain mental disorders are discussed.

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