Three indole alkaloids that possess differing degrees of psychotropic/psychedelic activity have been reported as endogenous substances in humans; N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-hydroxy-DMT (bufotenine, HDMT), and 5-methoxy-DMT (MDMT). We have undertaken a critical review of 69 published studies reporting the detection or detection and quantitation of these compounds in human body fluids. In reviewing this literature, we address the methods applied and the criteria used in the determination of the presence of DMT, MDMT, and HDMT. The review provides a historical perspective of the research conducted from 1955 to 2010, summarizing the findings for the individual compounds in blood, urine, and/or cerebrospinal fluid. A critique of the data is offered that addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the methods and approaches to date. The review also discusses the shortcomings of the existing data in light of more recent findings and how these may be overcome. Suggestions for the future directions of endogenous psychedelics research are offered.

The discovery of new dysleptic drugs has prompted the present review of these substances which influence neuropsychic activity. It is possible to divide dysleptics into two categories: under the first heading fall mescaline, LSD-25, psilocybine, adrenochrome, bufotenine and dimethyltryptamin; the other group includes Ditran, Butoxamine, WH-4849, and AHR-379. The place of Sernyl could not be ascertained and it might well constitute a class by itself. The mescaline type of reaction is mainly characterized by the induction of perceptual distortions without alteration of the state of consciousness, whereas the Ditran type reaction is one of confusion with postexperimental amnesia. Electroencephalographic recordings support this classification: lowering of amplitude, acceleration of rhythm and desynchronization were noted with the first group; and slowing of rhythm and slow waves similar to those seen during the onset of sleep, with the other group.

Both in the male and in the female reproductive tract glucose can be converted via either the pentose pathway or the sorbitol pathway. It is shown that a disturbed carbohydrate metabolism can lead to infertility, i.e. in the cow and in the bull semen. Evidence is provided that the serotonin-like indole which occurs in the protein-complex and is liberated, can exert effects on the uterine endometrium comparable to those caused by serotonin. It is suggested that the indole liberated can cause ischaemia, followed by regression of the endometrium. When this occurs in repeat breeder cows, exogenous PGF given in mid-cycle on a suitable day, may restore the endometrium so that the cow can again become pregnant. The possibility is mentioned that in humans the free indole might cause regression of the endometrium and some distress symptoms, but thereafter endogenous PGF does increase the vascular permeability resulting finally in bleeding.

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The hypothesis that endogenously formed, N-methylated metabolites of indoleamines may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia was reviewed. Although N-methylated indoleamines can be produced in vivo and have significant psychotomimetic effects, there is little evidence for a specific increase in the methylation of indoleamines in schizophrenic patients. It was noted that even if the relationship between schizophrenia and N-methylated indoleamines had existed, nicotinic acid would not be an appropriate therapeutic agent.