Related Experiment Videos
A new putative neuroregulator of the extrapyramidal system
Pharmacology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
2-phenylethylamine, a brain chemical, may regulate movement control in the extrapyramidal system. It reverses parkinsonism symptoms and its effects are blocked by dopamine receptor blockers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 2-phenylethylamine is a putative neurotransmitter found in the human brain.
- It is highly concentrated in the extrapyramidal system, which controls motor function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neuroregulatory role of 2-phenylethylamine in the extrapyramidal system.
- To determine if 2-phenylethylamine's actions are mediated by dopamine receptors.
Main Methods:
- Administered 2-phenylethylamine to animals to observe effects on parkinsonism and stereotypy.
- Used catecholamine depletion (a-methyl-para-tyrosine) and dopamine receptor blockade (haloperidol) to antagonize the effects.
Main Results:
- 2-phenylethylamine reversed reserpine-induced parkinsonism and elicited stereotypy.
- These effects were partially blocked by catecholamine depletion and fully blocked by haloperidol.
Conclusions:
- 2-phenylethylamine likely plays a neuroregulatory role in the extrapyramidal system.
- Its actions may involve direct and/or indirect interactions with dopamine pathways.