The ability of antidepressant drugs to desensitize beta-receptors is inversely correlated with their clinical potency.
The relative clinical potencies of a range of antidepressant drugs and their relative ability to desensitize beta-adrenergic receptors were compiled from published sources and found to be inversely correlated. This findings strongly suggest that desensitization of beta-receptors is not responsible for the clinical effects of antidepressants. This conclusion is supported by a discussion of the effects of steroid hormones on beta-receptors.
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects*; D013256:Steroids / Q000494:pharmacology
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D013256:Steroids