Receptor for trace amines, including beta-phenylethylamine (b-PEA), p-tyramine (p-TYR), octopamine and tryptamine, with highest affinity for b-PEA and p-TYR. Unresponsive to classical biogenic amines, such as epinephrine and histamine and only partially activated by dopamine and serotonin. Trace amines are biogenic amines present in very low levels in mammalian tissues. Although some trace amines have clearly defined roles as neurotransmitters in invertebrates, the extent to which they function as true neurotransmitters in vertebrates has remained speculative. Trace amines are likely to be involved in a variety of physiological functions that have yet to be fully understood. The signal transduced by this receptor is mediated by the G(s)-class of G-proteins which activate adenylate cyclase.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Detected in low levels in discrete regions within the central nervous system and in several peripheral tissues. Moderately expressed in stomach. Low levels in amygdala, kidney, and lung, and small intestine. Trace amounts in cerebellum, dorsal root ganglia, hippocampus, hypothalamus, liver, medulla, pancreas, pituitary, pontine reticular formation, prostate, skeletal muscle and spleen.