trace amines

trace amines

A generic term for biogenic amines which are present in very low amounts in mammalian tissues. While some trace amines act as neurotransmitters in invertebrates, the extent to which they act as such in vertebrates is speculative; they are likely involved in various physiological functions.
Examples
Beta-phenylethylamine (b-PEA), p-tyramine (p-TYR), octopamine and tryptamine.