Biogenic Amines

Intro
Decarboxylation of certain aminoacids
yields biologically active amines
Removal of CO2
Requires PLP
Results in the formation of Biogenic
amines
Tyramine
Decarboxylation of Tyrosine forms
tyramine
In gut by the action of bacterial
action
And also in Kidney
Increases Blood Pressure
(Vasoconstriction)
Contracts Uterus
Tryptamine
Formed from Tryptophan
Hydroxylation at 5 position yields 5-
OH tryptamine (Serotonin)
Vasoconstriction
Increases Blood Pressure
5-Methoxy Tryptamine- Hormone of
Pineal Gland
Histamine
Decarboxylation of Histidine yields
Histamine
Produced in large quantities in Mast
Cells
Also produced by Gastric Mucosal
Cells and Histaminic Neurons
Basophils are chief sources of
Histamine in circulating cells
 Stored in Enterochromaffin cells in
gut
Higher extracellular pH releases
histamine
It acts a neurotransmitter-
hypothalamus
It acts and anaphylatic and
inflammatory agent
 Acts through two types of receptors
H1 and H2
H1
Contracts smooth muscle
Increased venular permeability
Induces nasal mucus production
Causes pruritus with cutaneous
vasodilation
 H2
Produces bronchodilation
Increases vaso permeability and dilation
Induces airways mucus production
Also causes pruritus
Stimulates Gastric Secretion HCl and
Pepsin
Antihistaminics
Blockers of H1 receptors
Anaphylatic reactions can be minimised
Promethazine and Mepyramine

H2 blocker
Cimetidine, Ranitidine