ENZYMATIC ISOTOPIC ASSAY FOR AND PRESENCE OF β-PHENYLETHYLAMINE IN BRAIN |
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Authors: | J. M. Saavedra |
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Affiliation: | Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20014, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Abstract— An enzymatic isotopic assay for the measurement of β-phenylethylamine in brain, with a sensitivity of 100-200 pg, has been developed. With this assay, the endogenous β-phenylethylamine content (1.5 ng/g) in the rat brain has been determined. Phenylalanine administration increases the brain levels of this amine; inhibition of monoamine oxidase causes a 40-fold increase in brain β-phenylethylamine. After a combined treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and phenylalanine, the β-phenylethylamine content in the brain increases to about 400-fold. This increase can be blocked by the central decarboxylase inhibitor NSD-1055. p-Chlorophenylalanine also increases β-phenylethylamipe concentration in the brain, and this effect is potentiated by a simultaneous administration of phenylalanine. |
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