[Monoaminergic anorectic agents]

Catecholamine, dopamine, serotonine (5HT) and neuronal histamine are anorectic monoamines and act as anorectic neurotransmitters. The anorectic agents as modulators of these monoamines inhibit appetite by activating release together with suppressing reuptake of those monoamines. The anorectic agents were classified in clinical use into either alpha 1, beta-adrenergic receptor agonists or 5HT-receptor agonist. Dexfenfluramine, a 5HT-receptor agonist, was inhibited in clinical use because of its cardiac complications including pulmonary hypertension and valvelar disease. Mazindol is an adrenergic agonist and the solitary anti-obesity drug used clinically in Japan. Sibutramine shows the effects of both beta-adrenergic and serotonergic receptor agonists. Sibutramine induces not only appetite suppression but also acceleration of peripheral energy expenditure. No histaminergic anorectics have been employed in the clinical situation to date. L-Histizine, precursor amino acid of endogenous neuronal histamine, is useful for suppression of food intake, lipolytic acceleration of peripheral adipose tissues and enhanced energy expenditure in both animals and humans. L-Histizine thus inspires development of more effective and safer anorectics that can be used without suffering from the rebound phenomenon of body weight.