Clinical data on the role of serotonin in the mechanism(s) of action of antidepressant drugs.
In view of evidence that brain serotonin (5-HT) function is abnormal in depression, the ability to alter 5-HT function has been studied as a mechanism of antidepressant drug action. In preclinical studies, antidepressants had significant effects on 5-HT receptor sensitivity. In the clinical setting, the pharmacologic challenge paradigm has generated interest as a means of studying 5-HT function. Most frequently used in these studies has been intravenous L-tryptophan (L-TRP), which increases serum prolactin (PRL). The authors review the neuroendocrine effects of intravenous L-TRP in depression and other conditions, as well as the effects of thymoleptic drugs on the PRL response to L-TRP. Findings are discussed in light of recent evidence that experimentally reduced plasma TRP can reverse the therapeutic effects of some antidepressants.
Price
L H
LH
Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Abraham Ribicoff Research Facilities, Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven.
Charney
D S
DS
Delgado
P L
PL
Goodman
W K
WK
Krystal
J H
JH
Woods
S W
SW
Heninger
G R
GR
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D011388:Prolactin