Neuroscience
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Section I:
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology

12. Biogenic Amine Neurotransmitters
Part 1 of 11

Monoamines (also known as "biogenic amines") include three classes of neurotransmitters:

Dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE, also called noradrenaline) and epinephrine (E, also called adrenaline) make up a class of neurotransmitters named on the basis of the hydroxylated phenol ring termed a catechol nucleus.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT); is the principal member of this group of compounds. The name serotonin is derived from the fact that this substance was first isolated from the serum based on its ability to cause an increase in blood pressure. Melatonin, a second indolamine, is restricted to the pineal and is released into the blood stream in a manner that is regulated by the diurnal cycle. Melatonin will not be covered further in this chapter.

Histamine has been recognized as a neurotransmitter in the CNS only within the past fifteen years.

The structure of the monoamine neurotransmitters is shown in Figure 12.1.

Figure 12.1

Structure of the monoamine neurotransmitters.

Anatomy

Cell Biology

Physiology and Behavior

Clinical

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