Effects of the antidepressant phenelzine on brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Time- and dose-response studies were carried out on the effects of the monoamine oxidase-inhibiting antidepressant and antipanic drug phenelzine on GABA levels in rat whole brain. At a dose of 15 mg/kg i.p., phenelzine significantly elevated GABA levels at all time intervals studied (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h). A further investigation indicated that this was a dose-dependent effect. The possible importance of GABA in the etiology and pharmacotherapy of depression and panic disorder is discussed.
Baker
G B
GB
PMHAC Research Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Wong
J T
JT
Yeung
J M
JM
Coutts
R T
RT
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D010624:Phenelzine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase; D010624:Phenelzine