vasoactive amine

vasoactive amine

n.

A substance containing amino groups, such as histamine or serotonin, that acts on the blood vessels to alter their permeability or to cause vasodilation.

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amine

an organic compound containing nitrogen.

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biogenic a's

amine neurotransmitters, e.g. norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine.

direct-acting sympathomimetic a's

activate adrenergic effector cells, e.g. catecholamine, directly and do not need adrenergic nerves to exert their effects.

amine hormones

enteroendocrine cells, distributed widely in the gastric, intestinal and pancreatic tissue, synthesize peptide and amine hormones that control the secretion of digestive juices. See also apud cells.

amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells

see apud cells.

toxic a's

occur in plants, e.g. cyclopamine, tyramine.

vasoactive amine

amine that causes vasodilatation and increases small vessel permeability, e.g. histamine and serotonin.