Norepinephrine, Dopamine and Serotonin: CNS Distribution, Biosynthesis and Metabolism

Abstract

At the present time the bulk of experimental data relating biochemical factors to certain disorders of human behavior is converging in support of hypotheses implicating the biogenic amines norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT). The theoretical importance of these substances depends on their putative role as CNS neurotransmitters involved in the central control of a variety of functions ranging from postural tone and appetite to sleep and feeling states. It is felt currently that an understanding of the biochemical etiology and the pharmacological treatment of mental disorders depends on the clarification of the related alterations in the distribution, synthesis, and metabolism of these monoamines. Our basic knowledge of CNS monoamines has increased greatly over the past twenty years, but is still incomplete. This chapter is a selective presentation of the major concepts currently advanced in this area.