Monoamine neurotransmitters are neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that contain one amino group that is connected to an aromatic ring by a two-carbon chain (-CH₂-CH₂-). All monoamines are derived from aromatic amino acids like phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and the thyroid hormones by the action of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase enzymes.

Examples

• Catecholamines:
  • Dopamine (DA)
  • Norepinephrine (NE) (noradrenaline, NA)
  • Epinephrine (Epi) (adrenaline)
• Melatonin
• Histamine
• Serotonin (5-HT)
• Thyronamines, a new group of compounds derived from thyroid hormones
• Trace amines:
  • β-Phenylethylamine (PEA, β-PEA)
  • Tyramine
  • Tryptamine

Specific transporter proteins called monoamine transporters exist that transport monoamines in or out of a cell. These are the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transporter (SERT), and the norepinephrine transporter (NET) in the outer cell membrane and the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT1 and VMAT2) in the membrane of intracellular vesicles.

Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters after they have been released into the synapse.

See also

• Monoamine oxidase
• Monoamine transporter
• Neurotransmitter