Non-selective inhibition of GABA and 5-HT uptake systems in rat brain by N-n-alkyl hydroxybenzylamine and N-n-alkyl phenylethylamine derivatives

Neuropharmacological and neurochemical properties of N-(2-cyanoethyl)-2-phenylethylamine, a prodrug of 2-phenylethylamine

1 N-(2-cyanoethyl)-2-phenylethylamine (CEPEA) was examined as a possible prodrug of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA). 2 Pharmacokinetics of PEA and CEPEA were investigated in rat brain, blood and liver by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). Interactions of PEA and CEPEA with putative neurotransmitter amines were investigated by use of high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (h.p.l.c.-e.c.). 3 Administration of PEA caused transient increases in PEA concentrations which decreased rapidly in brain and blood and at a slower rate in liver. Administration of CEPEA caused sustained elevations of PEA concentrations and elimination of PEA was markedly decreased in these tissues relative to the situation after administration of PEA itself. 4 Administration of CEPEA caused more prolonged decreases in brain noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine concentrations than those observed after PEA administration, although values increased to control levels eventually.

N-(3-chloropropyl)phenylethylamine as a possible prodrug of beta-phenylethylamine: studies in the rat brain

N-(3-Chloropropyl)phenylethylamine (CPPEA) was examined as a possible prodrug of the neuromodulator trace amine beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) in rat tissues. CPPEA produced sustained elevation of PEA levels in rat brain, blood and liver. Rat brain concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine were decreased by administration of CPPEA.