Monoamine precursors are

precursor Precursor or Precursors may refer to: *Precursor (religion), a forerunner, predecessor ** The Precursor, John the Baptist Science and technology * Precursor (bird), hypothesized genus of fossil birds that was composed of fossilized parts of unre ...

s of

monoamine Monoamine neurotransmitters are neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that contain one amino group connected to an aromatic ring by a two-carbon chain (such as -CH2-CH2-). Examples are dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. All monoamines are ...

s and

monoamine neurotransmitter Monoamine neurotransmitters are neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that contain one amino group connected to an aromatic ring by a two-carbon chain (such as -CH2-CH2-). Examples are dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. All monoamines ...

s in the body. The

amino acid Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. Although over 500 amino acids exist in nature, by far the most important are the 22 α-amino acids incorporated into proteins. Only these 22 a ...

s L-tryptophan and L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP; oxitriptan) are precursors of

serotonin Serotonin (), also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter with a wide range of functions in both the central nervous system (CNS) and also peripheral tissues. It is involved in mood, cognition, reward, learning, ...

and

melatonin Melatonin, an indoleamine, is a natural compound produced by various organisms, including bacteria and eukaryotes. Its discovery in 1958 by Aaron B. Lerner and colleagues stemmed from the isolation of a substance from the pineal gland of cow ...

, while the amino acids L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine, and L-DOPA (levodopa) are precursors of

dopamine Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. It is an amine synthesized ...

epinephrine Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which is involved in regulating visceral functions (e.g., respiration). It appears as a white microcrystalline granule. Adrenaline is normally produced by the adrenal glands a ...

(adrenaline), and

norepinephrine Norepinephrine (NE), also called noradrenaline (NA) or noradrenalin, is an organic compound, organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the brain and human body, body as a hormone, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. The ...

(noradrenaline). Administration of monoamine precursors can increase the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the body and brain. Monoamine precursors may be used in combination with peripherally selective aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors (AAAD inhibitors; also known as DOPA decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitors) such as

carbidopa Carbidopa, sold under the brand name Lodosyn, is a medication given to people with Parkinson's disease in order to inhibit peripheral metabolism of levodopa. This property is significant in that it allows a greater proportion of administered levo ...

and

benserazide Benserazide is a peripherally acting aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase or DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor, which is unable to cross the blood–brain barrier. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Medical use ...

to restrict metabolism and activation in the periphery.

Carbidopa/levodopa Carbidopa/levodopa, also known as levocarb and co-careldopa, is the combination of the two medications carbidopa and levodopa. It is primarily used to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but it does not slow down the disease or stop it ...

and levodopa/benserazide are used to increase brain dopamine levels in the treatment of

Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease (PD), or simply Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disease primarily of the central nervous system, affecting both motor system, motor and non-motor systems. Symptoms typically develop gradually and non-motor issues become ...

Carbidopa/oxitriptan Carbidopa/oxitriptan (developmental code name EVX-101), or carbidopa/5-hydroxytryptophan (carbidopa/5-HTP), is a combination of 5-hydroxytryptophan (oxitriptan), a serotonin precursor, and carbidopa, a peripherally selective aromatic L-amino a ...

(EVX-101), which increases brain serotonin levels, is under development as an

antidepressant Antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and addiction. Common side effects of antidepressants include Xerostomia, dry mouth, weight gain, dizziness, headaches, akathi ...

for possible use in the treatment of depression.

Droxidopa Droxidopa, also known as L-''threo''-dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS) and sold under the brand names Northera and Dops among others, is sympathomimetic medication which is used in the treatment of hypotension (low blood pressure) and for other in ...

(L-DOPS) is a

synthetic Synthetic may refer to: Science * Synthetic biology * Synthetic chemical or compound, produced by the process of chemical synthesis * Synthetic elements, chemical elements that are not naturally found on Earth and therefore have to be created in ...

precursor or

prodrug A prodrug is a pharmacologically inactive medication or compound that, after intake, is metabolized (i.e., converted within the body) into a pharmacologically active drug. Instead of administering a drug directly, a corresponding prodrug can be ...

of norepinephrine used

orally The word oral may refer to: Relating to the mouth * Relating to the mouth, the first portion of the alimentary canal that primarily receives food and liquid **Oral administration of medicines ** Oral examination (also known as an oral exam or oral ...

in the treatment of certain types of

hypotension Hypotension, also known as low blood pressure, is a cardiovascular condition characterized by abnormally reduced blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood and is ...

and other conditions.

Dipivefrine Dipivefrine, or dipivefrin, also known as epinephrine pivalate and sold under the brand name Propine among others, is a sympathomimetic medication which is used in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.Dipivefrin . It is available as a 0.1% o ...

is a synthetic precursor or prodrug of epinephrine used as an ophthalmic medication.

References

Amino acids Dietary supplements * {{Biochemistry-stub

See also

References