indolamines
{{Short description|Family of neurotransmitters}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2015}}
Image:Tryptamine structure.png
Indolamines are a family of neurotransmitters that share a common molecular structure. Indolamines are a classification of monoamine neurotransmitter, along with catecholamines and ethylamine derivatives. A common example of an indolamine is the tryptophan derivative serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood and sleep.{{cite journal |pmc=2077351|year=2007|last1=Young|first1=S. N.|title=How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs|journal=Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience|volume=32|issue=6|pages=394–399|pmid=18043762}} Another example of an indolamine is melatonin.
In biochemistry, indolamines are substituted indole compounds that contain an amino group. Examples of indolamines include the lysergamides.
Synthesis
Image:Serotonin biosynthesis.svg
{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} Indolamines are biologically synthesized from the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is synthesized into serotonin through the addition of a hydroxyl group by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase and the subsequent removal of the carboxyl group by the enzyme 5-HTP decarboxylase.Carlson, Neil R. Physiology of Behavior. 11th ed. Vol. 1. N.p.: Pearson Education, n.d. Print.