Phenylethylamine in rhesus monkeys: interactions with alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine and l-dopa

Rhesus monkeys, pretreated with alpha-methyl-para-tryosine (AMPT) and subsequently injected with phenylethylamine (PEA), did not demonstrate the characteristic amphetamine-like PEA effects. However, when AMPT pretreatment was followed with l-dopa and then PEA injection, PEA effects were restored. These results are compatible with a dopamine theory of schizophrenia.