The neurochemistry of mania: a hypothesis of etiology and rationale for treatment.
1. The author delineates the emergence of an important concept in the Neurochemistry of mental illness, that of a Cholinergic Factor in Mania. This concept which evolved steadily over a period of 22 years from 1950-1972, the author believes has given us our first significant insight into the etiology and treatment of the Manic state. 2. In addition, the author examines the Adrenergic-Cholinergic hypothesis of Mania and Depression and the Brain Cholinergic-Adrenergic Balance hypothesis for Mania and Schizophrenia. 3. Also described in this article are some successful preliminary attempts by others, to treat Mania with Phosphatidyl Choline and the author will present, for the first time, data relating to success with the use of Phosphatidyl Choline in bringing about permanent remission of mania in 10 treatment subjects since 1983. 4. In conclusion the author proposes a Cholinergic Insufficiency Hypothesis as a primary factor in the causation of Mania and comments on a presumptive role in the modulation and balance of Adrenergic Dominance by Presynaptic Receptors positioned on the Nerve Terminals of Adrenergic Neurons.
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Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute, San Francisco, California.
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000502:physiology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans
D000109:Acetylcholine