Catalyzes the oxidative deamination of primary and some secondary amine such as neurotransmitters, with concomitant reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and has important functions in the metabolism of neuroactive and vasoactive amines in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues (PubMed:20493079, PubMed:8316221, PubMed:18391214, PubMed:24169519). Preferentially oxidizes serotonin (PubMed:20493079, PubMed:24169519). Also catalyzes the oxidative deamination of kynuramine to 3-(2-aminophenyl)-3-oxopropanal that can spontaneously condense to 4-hydroxyquinoline (By similarity).

G-protein coupled receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) (PubMed:1330647, PubMed:18703043, PubMed:19057895). Also functions as a receptor for various drugs and psychoactive substances, including mescaline, psilocybin, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) (PubMed:28129538). Ligand binding causes a conformation change that triggers signaling via guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) and modulates the activity of down-stream effectors (PubMed:28129538). Beta-arrestin family members inhibit signaling via G proteins and mediate activation of alternative signaling pathways (PubMed:28129538). Signaling activates phospholipase C and a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system that modulates the activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and promotes the release of Ca(2+) ions from intracellular stores (PubMed:18703043, PubMed:28129538). Affects neural activity, perception, cognition and mood (PubMed:18297054). Plays a role in the regulation of behavior, including responses to anxiogenic situations and psychoactive substances. Plays a role in intestinal smooth muscle contraction, and may play a role in arterial vasoconstriction.