Tryptamine receptors: fact, myth or misunderstanding?

Tryptamine is an endogenous brain amine which is implicated in neural regulation and proposed to play a significant role in the aetiology of some neuropsychiatric illnesses. Recent reports indicate the possible existence of specific tryptamine binding sites. It has been postulated that these binding sites may be functional tryptamine receptors in the central nervous system. The status of current developments in this area is critically reviewed. Current problems are outlined and discussed in terms of the specificity of the [3H]-tryptamine binding site and its functional assessment with experiments involving both drug treatment and electrolytic and neurotoxin-induced brain lesions. Current data indicate that the [3H]-tryptamine binding site is selective and not attributable to residual monoamine oxidase binding.