Amines & Amides Dr. Michael P. Gillespie

Introduction Amines and Amides contain nitrogen. Nitrogen is an important component in the structure of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Amines are characterized by the presence of an amino group (-NH 2 ). Histamine contributes to the inflammatory response. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie2

Introduction Amides are the products of a reaction between an amine and a carboxylic acid derivative. Amino acids are the subunits from which proteins are built. They are characterized by both an amino group and a carboxyl group. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie3

Amines: Structure & Properties Amines are a family of compounds that are contain an amino group or substituted amino group. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie4

Amines Dr. Michael P. Gillespie5

Medically Important Amines Amphetamines, such as benzedrine and methedrine, stimulate the central nervous system. They elevate blood pressure and pulse rate and are often used to treat fatigue. Medically, they have been used to treat depression and epilepsy. Amphetamines decrease the appetite and have been prescribed as diet pills. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie6

Medically Important Amines Many of the medical amines are analgesics (pain relievers) or anesthetics (pain blockers). Novacaine is used as a local anesthetic. Demerol is a very strong pain reliever. Ephedrine is used as a decongestant. Sulfa drugs used to fight bacterial infections are made from amines. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie7

Methamphetamine Methamphetamine is an addictive drug known by many names such as “speed”, “crystal”, “crank”, “ice”, and “glass”. Ephedrine, which is used as a nasal decongestant, can be used as the starting material for methamphetamine. Methamphetamine can be smoked, taken orally, snorted, or injected depending upon the form of the drug. It stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine into regions of the brain that control feelings of pleasure. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie8

Methamphetamine Symptoms of long-term abuse include addiction, anxiety, violent behavior, confusion, psychotic symptoms of paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. In severe cases paranoia results in homicidal and / or suicidal feelings. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure can lead to strokes. In severe cases, cardiovascular collapse and death result. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie9

Heterocyclic Amines Heterocyclic amines are cyclic compounds that have at least one nitrogen atom in the ring structure. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie10

Amides: Structure & Properties Amides are formed in a reaction between a carboxylic acid derivative and an amine. The amine bond is the bond between the carbonyl carbon of the acyl group and the nitrogen of the amine. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie11

Amides Dr. Michael P. Gillespie12

Medically Important Amides Barbiturates (“downers”) are derived from amides and are used as sedatives. Acetaminophen is an amide. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie13

Neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals from a nerve cell to a target cell. The signals can be inhibitory or excitatory and they are all nitrogen containing compounds. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie14

Catecholamines The catecholamines include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Too little dopamine produces Parkinson’s disease. Too much dopamine is associated with schizophrenia. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie15

Serotonin A deficiency of serotonin is associated with depression and eating disorders. Serotonin is also involved in pain perception, regulation of body temperature, and sleep. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie16

Histamine Histamine contributes to allergy symptoms. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie17

γ-Aminobutyric Acid & Glycine γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) & Glycine are inhibitory neurotransmitters. It is believed that GABA is involved in control of aggressive behaviors. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie18

Acetylcholine Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that functions at the neuromuscular junction. It carries signals from the nerve to the muscle. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie19

Nitric Oxide & Glutamate Nitric oxide and glutamate function in a positive feedback loop. They are thought o be involved in learning and the formation of memories. Dr. Michael P. Gillespie20