Phenethylamine
![Phenethylamine pharmacodynamics in a TAAR1–dopamine neuron
via AADC
Both amphetamine and phenethylamine induce neurotransmitter release from VMAT2[19][20][21] and bind to TAAR1.[22][23] When either binds to TAAR1, it reduces neuron firing rate and triggers protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, resulting in DAT phosphorylation.[22][23] Phosphorylated DAT then either operates in reverse or withdraws into the presynaptic neuron and ceases transport.[22][23]](/uploads/202502/02/TAAR1_Dopamine.svg4535.png)
![Human biosynthesis pathway for trace amines and catecholamines[2][28]
L-Phenylalanine
L-Tyrosine
L-Dopa
Epinephrine
Phenethylamine
p-Tyramine
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
N-Methylphenethylamine
N-Methyltyramine
p-Octopamine
Synephrine
3-Methoxytyramine
AADC
AADC
AADC
PNMT
PNMT
PNMT
PNMT
AAAH
AAAH
COMT
DBH
DBH
In humans, catecholamines and phenethylaminergic trace amines are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.](/uploads/202502/02/Catecholamine_and_trace_amine_biosynthesis4535.png)
Phenethylamine (PEA), also known as β-phenylethylamine (β-PEA) and 2-phenylethylamine is an organic compound and a natural monoamine alkaloid, a trace amine, and also the name of a class of chemicals with many members that are well known for their psychoactive and stimulant effects.