Antidepressant drugs given repeatedly increase binding to alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the rat cortex.
The effect of antidepressant drugs, administered repeatedly, on binding to alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the rat cerebral cortex was studied using [3H]prazosin as a ligand. Imipramine, amitriptyline, citalopram and mianserin increased the binding (Bmax) assessed at 8:00 h. At 20:00 h such an effect was produced by imipramine, citalopram and mianserin. [3H]Prazosin binding in control rats was higher at 20:00 h than at 8:00 h. An increase in the density of alpha 1-adrenoceptors may be associated with the therapeutic activity of antidepressant drugs.
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D008297:Male; D011224:Prazosin / Q000378:metabolism; D011869:Radioligand Assay; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011224:Prazosin