Editing Biogenic amine (section)

== Physiological importance ==

There is a distinction between [[endogenous]] and [[exogenous]] biogenic amines. Endogenous amines are produced in many different tissues (for example: adrenaline in [[adrenal medulla]] or histamine in [[mast cells]] and [[liver]]). Serotonin, an endogenous amine, is a [[neurotransmitter]] derived from the amino acid [[tryptophan]]. Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and sexuality.<ref name="Openstax Anatomy & Physiology attribution"> {{cite book|last1=Betts|first1=J Gordon|last2=Desaix|first2=Peter|last3=Johnson|first3=Eddie|last4=Johnson|first4=Jody E|last5=Korol|first5=Oksana|last6=Kruse|first6=Dean|last7=Poe|first7=Brandon|last8=Wise|first8=James|last9=Womble|first9=Mark D|last10=Young|first10=Kelly A|title=Anatomy & Physiology|url=https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology/pages/12-5-communication-between-neurons|location=Houston|publisher=OpenStax CNX|isbn=978-1-947172-04-3|date=July 6, 2023|at=12.5 Communication between neurons}}</ref> The amines are transmitted locally or via the blood system. The exogenous amines are directly absorbed from food in the [[intestine]]. [[ethyl alcohol|Alcohol]] can increase the absorption rate. Monoamine oxidase ([[Monoamine oxidase|MAO]]) breaks down biogenic amines and prevents excessive [[resorption]]. MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are also used as medications for the treatment of depression to prevent MAO from breaking down amines important for positive mood.