Monoamines are believed to assist very important functions in controlling mood and behavior. The main feature of monoamines is that they are distributed throughout the central nervous system, as well as along the peripheral nervous system. In this sense, some antidepressants act as monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOI). This is an enzyme necessary for the catabolism of monoamines. Monoaminergic neurons serve to modulate the functions of large areas of the brain; they do this by increasing or decreasing the mobility of certain brain activities.
MONOAMINE SPECIES
Catecholamines and indolamines
Catecholamines
We obtain catecholamines with the metabolism of tyrosine. The two main enzymes involved in the catabolism of catecholamines are monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT). The first is located at the nerve endings, while the second is located in all tissues. The release of these two enzymes is the goal of many psychotropic treatments.
Indolamines
Indolamines are neurotransmitters that contain an indole group. This group includes serotonin and melatonin.
