Tryptamine is an indolamine metabolite of the essential amino acid, tryptophan.
Its structure is a shared feature of certain aminergic neuromodulators including melatonin, serotonin, bufotenin and psychedelic derivatives such as dimethyltryptamine (DMT), psilocybin, psilocin and others.
Tryptamine activates trace amine-associated receptors expressed in the mammalian brain, and regulates the activity of dopaminergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic systems.
In the human gut, symbiotic bacteria convert dietary tryptophan to tryptamine, which activates 5-HT4 receptors and regulates gastrointestinal motility.
Multiple tryptamine-derived drugs have been developed to treat migraines.
Trace amine-associated receptors are being explored as a potential treatment target for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Endogenous levels of tryptamine in the mammalian brain are less than 100ng per gram of tissue.
Elevated levels of trace amines have been observed in patients with certain neuropsychiatric disorders taking medications, such as bipolar depression and schizophrenia.
Tryptamine is relatively abundant in the gut and feces.
Commensal bacteria, including Ruminococcus gnavus and Clostridium sporogenes in the gastrointestinal tract, possess the enzyme tryptophan decarboxylase.
Tryptophan decarboxylase aids in the conversion of dietary tryptophan to tryptamine.
Tryptamine is a ligand for gut epithelial serotonin type 4 (5-HT4) receptors.
Tryptamine regulates gastrointestinal electrolyte balance through colonic secretions.
Metabolic modifications to tryptamine can produce serotonin and melatonin.
Conversion of tryptophan to tryptamine is followed by its degradation to indole-3-acetic acid.
Tryptamine may be a trace neuromodulator capable of regulating the activity of neuronal cell responses.
Tryptamine promotes intestinal motility by activating serotonin receptors in the gut to increase colonic secretions.
Tryptamine can increase neuronal firing by inhibiting neurotransmitter recycling through cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of the monoamine reuptake transporter: it increases the amount of neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, subsequently increasing postsynaptic receptor binding and neuronal activation.
Multiple tryptamine-derived drugs have been developed to treat migraines, while trace amine-associated receptors are being explored as a potential treatment target for neuropsychiatric disorders.