title: An inverse correlation between serum levels of desmethylimipramine and melatonin-like immunoreactivity in DMI-responsive depressives.
abstract: The relationship between plasma levels of the tricyclic antidepressant desmethylimipramine (DMI) and plasma levels of melatonin-like immunoreactivity was studied in 32 endogenously depressed patients. An inverse correlation between plasma levels of DMI and plasma levels of melatonin-like immunoreactivity was found in the group of clinical responders to the chronic administration of the drug. The nonresponders had higher levels of melatonin-like immunoreactivity at comparable levels of DMI. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that chronic high plasma levels of DMI may down-regulate the beta-adrenergic receptors in man. However, some other homeostatic mechanisms may be involved in the clinical response.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003891:Desipramine / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D008550:Melatonin; D003891:Desipramine