Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Neurohumoral Coding of Brain Function pp 331–357Cite as

Phenylethylamine: Possible Role in Depression and Antidepressive Drug Action

  • Chapter

Part of the book series: Advances in Behavioral Biology ((ABBI,volume 10))

Abstract

The well-chosen title of this conference implies that emotional behavior can be coded in a simple alphabet consisting of a relatively small number of neuromodulators and synaptic transmitters0 One of the main difficulties in deciphering this code is that we know only a few of its “letters” [catecholamines (CA), serotonin (5HT), acetylcholine, etc,]. Toman and Sabelli (cf. Sabelli, 1964) proposed that not only is there a multiplicity of transmitters of various presynaptic origins, but there are also many endogenous chemicals that regulate neural function by modulating synaptic transmission mediated by other chemicals and by acting upon extrasynaptic membranes. 2-Phenylethyl amine (PEA) may represent one example of this concept of neuromodulators.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Baldessarini, R.J., and Vogt, M., 1971, The uptake and subcellular distribution of aromatic amines in the brain of the rat, J. Neurochem. 18: 2519.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Biel, J.H., Nuhfer, P.A., Hoya, W.K., Leiser, H.A., and Abood, L.G., 1962, Cholinergic blockage as an approach to the development of new psychotropic agents, Ann. J. Y. Acad. Sei. 96: 251.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Boulton, A.A., and Milward, L., 1971, Separation, detection and quantitative analysis of urinary 3-phenyl ethylamine, Chrom. 57: 287.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brunner, E.L., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1971, The effect of 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid on the action potential of the frog ventricle, Pharmacologist 13: 267.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlsson, A., Fuxe, K., and Ungerstedt, U., 1968, The effect of imipramine on central 5-hydroxytryptami ne neurons, J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 20: 150.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Coppen, A., 1967, The biochemistry of affective disorders, Brit. Psychiat. 113: 1237.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Costa, E., and Neff, N.H., 1966, Isotopic and non-isotopic measure-ments of the rate of catecholamine biosynthesis, Jjn “Biochemistry and Pharmacology of the Basal Ganglia,” (E. Costa, L.J. Cote, and M.D. Tahr, eds.), pp. 141–156, Raven Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Creveling, C.R., Daly, J.W., Witkop, B., and Udenfriend, S., 1962, Substrates and inhibitors of dopamine-β-oxidase, Biochem. Biophys. Acta 64: 125.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Creveling, C.R., Daly, J.W., Tokuyama, T., and Witkop, B., 1968, The combined use of a-methyltyrosine and threo-dihydroxypheny1serine-selective reduction of dopamine levels in the central nervous system, Biochem. Pharmacology 17: 65.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dewhurst, W.G., 1968, New theory of cerebral amine function and its clinical application, Nature 218: 1130.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D.J., and Blau, K., 1972, Analysis of phenylethylamines in biological tissues by gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection, Analyt. Biochem. 45: 387.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D.J., and Blau, K., 1973, Phenylethylamines in brain and liver of rats with experimentally induced phenylketonuria-1ike characteristics, Biochem, J. 132: 95.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ehinger, B., and Myhrberg, H.E., 1971, Neijronal localization of dopamine, noradrenaline, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in the central and peripheral nervous system of Lumbricus terrestris (L.), Histochemie 28: 265.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feldstein, A., Chang, G.H., and Kuchorki, J.M., 1970, Tryptophol, 5-hydroxytryptophol and 5-methoxytryptophol induced sleep in mice, Life Sciences 9: 323.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, E., Ludmer, R.I., and Sabelli, H.C., 1967, The antagonism of phenyl ethyl amine to catecholamines on mouse motor activity, Acta Physiol. Lat. Amer. 17: 15.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, E., Heller, B., and Miro, A.N., 1968, β-Phenylethyl amine in human urine, Arzneim. Forsch. 18: 1486.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, E., Spatz, H., Heller, B., and Reggiani, H., 1972a, Phenyl ethylamine content of human urine and rat brain, its alteration in pathological conditions and after drug administration, Experientia 28: 307.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, E., Spatz, H., Saavedra, J.M., Reggiani, H., Miro, A.H., and Heller, B., 1972b, Urinary elimination of phenyl ethyl amine, Biol. Psychiat. 5: 139.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fuxe, K., Grobecker, H., and Jonsson, J., 1967, The effect of β -phenyl ethyl amine on central and peripheral monoamine-containing neurons, Europ. J. Pharmacol. 2: 202.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Giardina, W.J., Sabel1i, H.C., and Aderman, M., 1970, Non-hydroxylated and deaminated derivatives of catecholamines on mouse exploratory behavior: A hypothesis of antidepressive action, Proc. 78th Ann. Conv. Amer, Psychol. Assoc., Miami Beach, Sept. 3–8, pp. 811–812.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giardina, W.J., Pedemonte, W.A., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1973, lontophoretic study of the effect of norepinephrine and 2-phenylethylamine on single cortical neurons, Life Science 12: 153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, F.K., 1971, Psychiatric side effects of Levodopa in man, J.A.M.A. 218: 1915.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, F.K., Murphy, D.L., Brodie, H.K.H., and Bunney, Jr., W.E., 1970, L-Dopa, catecholamines and behavior: a clinical and biochemical study in depressed patients, Biol. Psychiat. 2: 341.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grundfest, H., 1957, General problems of drug actions on bioelectrical phenomena, Ann. JN.Y. Acad. Sci. 66: 537.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartman, B.K., and Udenfriend, S., 1972, The application of immunological techniques to the study of enzymes regulating catecholamine synthesis and degradation, Pharmacol. Rev. 24: 311.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Himwich, H.E., and Alpers, H.S., 1970, Psychophamiacology, in “Annual Reviews of Pharmacology,” vol. 10, (H.W. Elliot, W.C. Cutting, and R.H. Dreisback, eds.), PP. 313–334, Annual Reviews, Inc., Palo Alto, California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holtz, P., 1966, Introductory remarks, Pharmacol. Review 18: 85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inwang, E.E., Sugerman, J.H., De Martini, W.J., Mosnaim, A.D., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1972, Ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of β-phenylethyl amine-like substances in biological samples and its possible correlation with depression, presented at the Annual Convention of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, Dallas, April 28–30, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  • Inwang, E.E., Madabuike, U.P., and Mosnaim, A.D., 1973a, Evidence for the excretion of 2-phenylethyl amine glucuronide in human urine, Experientia (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Inwang, E.E., Mosnaim, A.D., and Sabel1i, U.C., 1973b, Isolation and characterization of phenylethylamine and phenylethanolamîne from human braîn, J. Neurochem. 20: 1469.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, D.M., and Temple, D.M., 1970, g-Phenylethyl ami ne as a cardiotonic constituent of tissue extracts, Comp. Gen, Pharmac. 1: 155.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jenkins, R.B., and Groh, R.H., 1970, Mental symptoms in Parkinsonian patients treated with L-DOPA, The Lancet 2: 177.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jepson, J.B., Lovenberg, W., and Zaltzman, P., 1960, Amine metabolism studied in normal and Phenylketonurie humans by monoamine oxidase inhibition, Biochem. 74: 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kety, S., 1970, Brain amines and affective disorders, in “Brain Chemistry and Mental Disease,” (B.T. Ho, and W.M. McIsaac, eds.), pp. 237–244, Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klaiber, E.L., Broverman, D.M., Vogel, W., Kobayashi, Y., and Moriarty, D., 1972, Effects of estrogen therapy on plasma MAO activity and EEG driving responses of depressed women, Amer. J. Psychiat. 128: 1492.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kopin, I.J., 1968, Identification of “true” and “false” transmitters in psychopharmacology, Public Health Service Publication 1836, ( D.H. Effron, ed. ), Washington, pp. 57–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loo, Y.H., 1967, Characterization of a new phenylalanine metabolite in phenylketonuria, J. Neurochem. 14: 813.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maas, J.W., Fawcett, J., and Dekirmenjian, H., 1972, Catecholamine metabolism, depressive illness and drug response, Arch. Gen. Psychiat. 26: 252.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mantegazza, P., and Riva, M., 1963, Amphetamine-1ike activity of g-phenylethyl amine, J. Pharm. 15: 472.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marley, E., 1966, Behavioral and electrophysiological effects of catecholamines, Pharm. Rev. 18: 753.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Molinoff, B.P., Landsberg, L., and Axel rod, J., 1969, An enzymatic assay for octopamine and other (S-hydroxylated phenyl ethyl amines, Pharmac. Exp. Ther. 170: 253.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., and Inwang, E.E., 1973, A spectrophotometric method for the quantification of 2-phenylethyl amine in biological specimens, Anal. Biochem. (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., and Sabelli, H.C., 1971, Quantitative determination of the brain levels of a 3-phenylethyl amine-like substance in control and drug-treated mice, Pharmacoloqist 13: 283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., Inwang, E.E., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1972, Phenylethylamine-like substance(s) in mammalian brain and their increase by repeated electroshock seizures, presented at the Society for Neuroscience, Houston, October 8–11, 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., Inwang, E.E., Sugerman, J.H., De Martini, W.J., and Sabelli, H.C., 1973a, Ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of 2-phenylethyl amine in biological samples and its possible correlation with depression, Biological Psychiatry 6 (3): 235.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., Inwang, E.E., Sugerman, J.H., and Sabelli, H.C., 1973b, Identification of 2-phenylethyl amine in human urine by infrared and mass spectroscopy and its quantification in normal subjects and cardiovascular patients, Clinica Chimica Acta (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., Sabelli, H.C., and Inwang, E.E., 1973c, The influence of psychotropic drugs on the levels of endogenous 2-phenylethyl- amine in brain, presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry, Montreal, June 8–10, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mosnaim, A.D., Whalley, C., Pedemonte, W.A., Vazquez, A.J., and Sabelli, H.C., 1973d, Further evidence for a role of 2-phenyl- ethylamine as a mediator for the stimulant action of β-tetra-hydrocannabinoi, to be presented at the Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, Nov. 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakajima, T., Kakimoto, Y., and Sano, I., 1964, Formation of phenyl-ethylamine in mammalian tissues and its effect on motor activity in the mouse, J. Pharm. 143: 319.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ng, L.K.Y., Lamprecht, F., Williams, R.B., and Kopin, I.J., 1973, A-Tetrahydrocannabinol and ethanol: differential effects on sympathetic activityin differing environmental setting, Seience 180: 1368.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oates, J.A., Nirenberg, P.Z., Jepson, J.B., Sjverdrma, A., and Undenfriend, S., 1963, Conversion of phenylalanine to phenyl-ethylamine in patients with phenylketonuria, Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. and Med. 112: 1078.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pedemonte, W.A., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1973, Possible direct modulator role of serotonin and its metabolites on sleep mechanisms in newly- hatched chicks, to be presented at the Society for Neuroscienee, San Diego, Nov. 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prange, Jr., H.J., 1973, The use of drugs in depression: its theoretical and practical basis, Psychiatric Annals 3: 56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez Casanova, E., and Fernandez Labriola, R., 1972, Estudios sobrela Fenetilaminuri a en depresiones, Ann. Biol. Psychiat. 1: 5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rothballer, A.B., 1959, The effects of catecholamines on the central nervous system, Pharmacol. Rev. 11: 494.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saavedra, J.M., and Axel rod, J., 1973, Demonstration and distribution of phenylethanolamine in brain and other tissues, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. (USA) 70: 769.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., I960, Pressor effects of adrenergic agents and serotonin after the administration of imipramine, Arzneirn. — Forsch. 10: 935.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., 1964, A pharmacological strategy for the study of central modulator linkages, in “Recent Advances in Biological Psychiatry,” Vol. 6, (J, Wortis, ed.), pp. 145–182, Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., 1970, Optic evoked potential changes induced by de-aminated metabolites of serotonin: 5-Hydroxytryptophol and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, Experientia 26: 58.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Giardina, W.J., 1970a, CNS effects of the alde-hyde products of brain monoamines, Biol. Psychiat. 2: 119.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Giardina, W.J., 1970b, Tryptaldehydes (Indole-acetaldehydes) in serotonergic sleep of newly hatched chicks, Arzneim. Forsch. 20: 74.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Giardina, W.J., 1971, The influence of inhibitors of amine metabolism on the effects of serotonin and its metabolites on the photic evoked potential in rabbits, Experientia 27: 64.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Giardina, W.J., 1973a, Evidence for biological activity of deaminated metabolites of catecholamines, presented at the Society of Biological Psychiatry, Montreal, June 8–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Giardina, W.J., 1973b, Amine modulation of affective behavior, in “Chemical Modulation of Brain Function,” (H.C. Sabelli, ed.), pp. 225–259, Raven Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Gorosito,M., 1969, Evidence for biogenic amine receptors in toad sciatic nerves, Int. J. Neuropharmacol. 8: 495.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Mosnaim, A.D., 1973, Phenyl ethyl amine hypothesis of affective behavior, presented at the American Psychiatric Association, Honolulu, May 7–13, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., and Toman, J.E.P., 1961, Efectos electrocardiograficos de agentes antidepresivos, Rev. Soc. Argent. Biol. 37: 205.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabel1iH.C., Levin, J.J., and Toman, J.E.P., 1961, Mecanismos colinergicos y agentes antidepresivos, Rev. Soc. Argent. Biol. 37: 87.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Giardina, W.J., Alivisatos, S.G.A., Seth, P.K., and Ungar, F., 1969, Indoleacetaldehydes: Serotonin-like effects on the central nervous system, Nature (Lond.) 223: 73.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Giardina, W.J., and Alivisatos, S.G.A., 1970, Influ ence of serotonin and related substances upon photic evoked potentials of rabbit: Evidence for biological activity of the aldehyde derivative, Arzneim. Forsch. 20: 68.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Giardina, W.J., andBartizal, F., 1971a, Photic evoked cortical potentials: Interaction of reserpine, monoamine oxidase inhibition and DOPA, Biol. Psychiat. 3: 273.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Giardina, W.J., Mosnaim, A.D., and Sabelli, N.H., 1971b, A comparison of the functional roles of norepinephrine, dopamine and phenyl ethyl amine in the central nervous system, Proceedings of the Satellite Symposium “Central and Peripheral Adrenergic Systems” XXV International Congress of Physiological Sciences, Warsaw, August 3–6, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Mosnaim, A.D., and Vazquez, A.J., 1973a, Possible role of 2-phenylethyl amine and L-DOPA in extrapyramidal disorders and their drug therapy, to be presented at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Michigan, August 19–23, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Vazquez, A.J., and Flavin, D.F., 1973b, Differential effects of two putative neuromodulators: 2-phenylethyl amine and 2-phenylethanolamine, to be presented at the Society for Neuro-science, San Diego, Nov. 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabelli, H.C., Mosnaim, A.D., Vazquez, A.J., and Madrid-Pedemonte, L., 1973c, (-)-Trans-A9-tetrahydrocannabinoi-induced increase in brain 2-phenylethyl amine: its possible role in the psychological effect of marihuana, in “Drug Addiction: Behavioral Aspects,” (J. Singh, ed.), Futura Publishing Co., New York, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandler, M., and Youdim, M.B., 1972, Multiple forms of monoamine oxidase: functional significance, Pharmacol. Rev, 24: 331.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schildkraut, J.J., 1973, Norepinephrine metabolism in the patho-physiology and classification of depressive and manic disorders, in “Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology,” (J.O. Cole, A.Freed- man, and A. Friedhoff, eds.), John Hopkins Press, Baltimore, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seeman, P., 1972, The membrane actions of anesthetics and tranquilizers, Pharmacol. Rev. 24: 583.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sulser, F., and Sanders-Bush, E., 1971, Effect of drugs on amines in the CNS, Ann Rev. Pharmacol. 11: 209.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Toman, J.E.P., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1968, Neuropharmacology of earthworm giant fibers, Int. Neuropharmacol. 7: 543.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vane, J.B., 1960, The actions of sympathomimetic amines on tryptamine receptors, in “Adrenergic Mechanisms (A CIBA Foundation Symposium)” (J.R. Vane, G.E. Wolstenholme, and M. O’Connor, eds.), pp. 356–372, J. and A. Churchill, Ltd., London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vazquez, A.J., and Krip, G., 1973, Interactions between amphetamine and serotonergic agents on cat’s isolated cerebral cortex, Biol. Psychiatry 7: 11.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vazquez, A.J., Giardina, W.J., Madrid-Pedemonte, L., Mosnaim, A.D., and Sabelli, H.C., 1973, Direct role of DOPA in the central nervous system, to be presented at the Society for Neurosei enee, San Diego, Nov. 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whalley, C., Mosnaim, A.D., and Sabel1i, H.C., 1973, 2-Phenylethylamine in rabbit brain and liver: its synthesis, metabolism and role in the action of imipramine, pargyline, and marihuana, to be presented at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Michigan, August 19–23, 1973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, H-YT., and Neff, N.H., 1973, Monoamine oxidase: I. a natural substrate for type B enzyme, Fed. Proc. 32: 797.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School, 2020 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA

    H. C. Sabelli, A. D. Mosnaim & A. J. Vazquez

Authors
  1. H. C. Sabelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. D. Mosnaim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A. J. Vazquez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

    R. D. Myers

  2. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México

    René Raúl Drucker-Colín

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1974 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Sabelli, H.C., Mosnaim, A.D., Vazquez, A.J. (1974). Phenylethylamine: Possible Role in Depression and Antidepressive Drug Action. In: Myers, R.D., Drucker-Colín, R.R. (eds) Neurohumoral Coding of Brain Function. Advances in Behavioral Biology, vol 10. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3066-0_19

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-3066-0_19

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-3068-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-3066-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation