title: beta-Phenylethylamine and reinforcement.
abstract: beta-Phenylethylamine is an endogenous brain amine which has been characterised as an endogenous amphetamine. The rewarding properties of the structurally similar drug amphetamine in humans and other species indicate a possible role for endogenous beta-phenylethylamine in neural processes underlying reward or reinforcement. Evidence for reinforcing properties of beta-phenylethylamine in the drug self-administration and place preference paradigms is briefly reviewed. The possibility that endogenous beta-phenylethylamine may be involved in reinforcement processes is also considered in relation to studies of intracranial self-stimulation. The contrasting aversive stimulus properties of beta-phenylethylamine and of amphetamine are described.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology; D010627:Phenethylamines / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012642:Selegiline / Q000494:pharmacology; D012653:Self Stimulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D010627:Phenethylamines; D012642:Selegiline; C029261:phenethylamine; D003913:Dextroamphetamine