[Substance P receptor antagonists--a new antidepressive and anxiolytic mechanism?].
Preclinical investigations suggest that the neuropeptide substance P might be involved in the etiopathology of pain, depression, and anxiety. In a recent study, the substance P receptor antagonist MK-869 showed antidepressant and anxiolytic activity in depressed outpatients which was comparable to a standard SSRI. The MK-869 was well tolerated. Although these findings are promising, further studies are necessary to prove the hypothesis that substance P receptor antagonists represent a new class of antidepressants or anxiolytics. Respective studies are currently underway.
Lieb
K
K
Abt. Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinik Freiburg. klaus_lieb@psyallg.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Fiebich
B L
BL
Berger
M
M
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D000077608:Aprepitant; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009025:Morpholines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D013373:Substance P / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D009025:Morpholines; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000077608:Aprepitant; D013373:Substance P