Indolamines
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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.[1] 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
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[citation needed] 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.[2]