Biogenic amine transmitter is a term used in neuroscience to describe a class of neurotransmitters that use biogenic amines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The term is spelled as [baɪoʊˈdʒɛnɪk ˈeɪmɪn trænsˈmɪtər]. The spelling of the term uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to represent the pronunciation of each syllable. The word "biogenic" is pronounced as "baɪoʊˈdʒɛnɪk", "amine" is pronounced as "ˈeɪmɪn", and "transmitter" is pronounced as "trænsˈmɪtər". The IPA provides a universal way to spell words and accurately represent their pronunciation.
A biogenic amine transmitter refers to a specific type of chemical compound that functions as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). These neurotransmitters are produced within the body and are derived from amino acids, specifically histidine (in the case of histamine), tryptophan (in the case of serotonin), tyrosine (in the case of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), and phenylalanine (in the case of phenylethylamine). Biogenic amine transmitters are responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells, facilitating communication and control mechanisms within the CNS.
As neurotransmitters, biogenic amine transmitters play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, appetite, cognition, and motor control. They bind to specific receptors on the target cells, thereby initiating a cascade of intracellular events that ultimately affect the transmission of nerve signals.
Imbalances in the levels or functioning of biogenic amine transmitters are associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders. For instance, deficiencies in dopamine are linked to Parkinson's disease, while imbalances in serotonin have been implicated in depression and anxiety disorders. By understanding the roles of biogenic amine transmitters and their intricate interactions with the nervous system, researchers can develop targeted therapies to modulate these neurotransmitters' activity and alleviate various neurological and psychiatric conditions.