Effect of imipramine on the circadian rhythm of plasma melatonin in unipolar depression.
The authors took a series of 20 serum samples over a 24-hr period for measurement of melatonin in four men and six women with Major Depressive Disorder (DSM-III), at baseline (depressed) and after 4 weeks on imipramine (150-200 mg/day) after achieving clinical remission. After successful treatment with imipramine, 24-hr secretion and peak levels of melatonin were significantly higher than at baseline, with no difference in time of peak level. Testing after 2 weeks of treatment (four subjects), with only a partial or no clinical response, revealed no differences compared with baseline. The therapeutic efficacy of imipramine may be associated with an enhancement of noradrenergic activity.
Hariharasubramanian
N
N
Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Verdun, Quebec, Canada.
Nair
N P
NP
Pilapil
C
C
Isaac
I
I
Quirion
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000187:drug effects*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000172:deficiency
D008550:Melatonin; D007099:Imipramine; D009638:Norepinephrine