Understanding the effects of amines on the heart and circulatory system

Pharmacokinetics of vascular responses to dietary amines and amphetamines via trace amine-associated receptors (Mr Alex Voisey)

The PhD student supervised by Dr William Ford is studying biologically active substances called amines to uncover their effects on our heart and circulatory system. As well as occurring naturally in our diets, amines are found in many over-the-counter remedies. In addition, stimulants, such as amphetamines and ecstasy, which are often used as recreational drugs, also contain amines. Biologically active amines, such as adrenaline, can raise blood pressure and heart rates – effects that can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. The adrenaline-like action may explain the rapid, immediate effects of amines, but other mechanisms may be involved, particularly with more prolonged, sustained responses to these substances. The student will examine the impact of sustained exposure to a wide range of amines on blood vessels and on blood pressure. They will identify how dietary amines, over-the-counter remedies and drugs like ecstasy affect blood pressure. They will study the mechanisms responsible for these blood pressure changes in rats and whether these effects are different to their adrenaline-like actions. This research will reveal how these amines increase blood pressure and can lead to stroke and heart attack. It may help to identify people who are prone to these events and uncover new ways to overcome these undesirable heart and circulatory effects.