The effects of reboxetine, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, on the plasma noradrenaline response to a cold pressor test in healthy volunteers.
Previous studies have shown peripheral abnormalities in noradrenergic activity in depressed melancholic patients. These abnormalities have a relationship with short-term and long-term outcome. Little is known about the effects of antidepressant treatment on these peripheral measures such as plasma noradrenaline (NA) and the plasma NA response to a laboratory stressor, the cold pressor test (CPT). The present study examines the effects of the antidepressant reboxetine, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, on baseline plasma NA and the plasma NA response to a CPT, in nine healthy volunteers compared to placebo. A double-blind crossover design was used, with each agent given for 4 weeks with a 4-week washout period. There was no effect of reboxetine on baseline plasma NA. The plasma NA response to reboxetine, with a CPT, was blunted 3 days after commencing treatment. Reboxetine alters the plasma NA response to a CPT independent of baseline plasma NA.
Kelly
C B
CB
Department of Mental Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK. chris.kelly@bch.n-i.nhs.uk
McAree
S
S
Cooper
S J
SJ
Stevenson
M
M
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D003080:Cold Temperature; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009025:Morpholines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood*; D011312:Pressure; D000077593:Reboxetine; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood*
D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D009025:Morpholines; D000077593:Reboxetine; D009638:Norepinephrine