Pharmacology of Hydroxylated Tryptamines

摘要

Behavioral effects and physiological disposition of some hydroxylated indolamines in rats were studied. Results indicate that B-hydroxylation of the three psychoactive indolamines drastically decreases behavioral activity. It seems the beta position of both the phenylethylamine and indoleamine series is crucial for psychotomimetic activity. The introduction of a hydroxyl group in this position weakens or abolishes these behavioral properties. Thus, it is possible that the brain of a schizophrenic patient lacking proper B-hydroxylation mechanisms might accumulate strongly psychoactive unhydroxylated compounds leading to the disease.