biogenic amine

amine (ah-mēn´) (am´in) an organic compound containing nitrogen; any of a group of compounds formed from ammonia by replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms by organic radicals.

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biogenic amine  a type of amine synthesized by plants and animals and frequently involved in signaling, e.g., neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, catecholamines, and serotonin; others are hormones or components of vitamins, phospholipids, bacteria, or ribosomes, e.g., cadaverine, choline, histamine, and spermine.

sympathomimetic amines  amines that mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system, comprising the catecholamines and drugs that mimic their actions.

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bi·o·gen·ic amine (b-jnk)

n.

Any of a group of naturally occurring, biologically active amines, such as serotonin, that act primarily as neurotransmitters and are capable of affecting mental functioning.

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biogenic amine,

one of a large group of naturally occurring biologically active compounds, most of which act as neurotransmitters. The most dominant, norepinephrine, is involved in such physiologic functions as emotional reactions, memory, sleep, and arousal from sleep. Other biochemicals of the group include three catecholamines: histamine, serotonin, and dopamine. These substances are active in regulating blood pressure, elimination, body temperature, and many other centrally mediated body functions.

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amine [am´in, ah´mēn]

an organic compound containing nitrogen.

biogenic amine bioamine.

sympathomimetic a's amines that mimic the actions of the sympathetic nervous system, the group includes the catecholamines and drugs that mimic their actions.

vasoactive a's amines that cause vasodilation and increase small vessel permeability, such as histamine and serotonin.

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biogenic

having the property of originating in a biological process.

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biogenic amine

an amine neurotransmitter, such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine.

endogenous biogenic amines

occur naturally in the body, e.g. epinephrine, norepinephrine.