Perturbations in brain monoamine systems during stress.
Monoamines modulate the activity of many neurons and there is evidence that a balanced synthesis of central nervous monoamines is a prerequisite for normal brain functioning. Stress accelerates both release and turnover of brain monoamines and the resulting fluctuations in concentrations affect various parameters within neurotransmitter systems. Acute stress leads to only transient alterations in monoamine systems so that homeostasis can be restored, in contrast, chronic stress accompanied by repetitive and/or prolonged stimulation of monoaminergic neurons can induce a long-lasting imbalance in central nervous neurotransmitter systems. Accordingly, stress-induced changes in brain monoamine systems are suspected to contribute to psychiatric diseases such as depression. The present paper gives a short overview of stress effects on brain monoamines and their receptors.
Clinical Neurobiology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077, Göttingen, Germany. gfluegg@gwdg.de
Gabriele
G
Flügge
Marja
M
Van Kampen
M Janneke
MJ
Mijnster
D000818:Animals; D015306:Biogenic Monoamines / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic / Q000378:metabolism; D011968:Receptors, Histamine / Q000378:metabolism; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000378:metabolism*; D014418:Tupaiidae / Q000378:metabolism
D015306:Biogenic Monoamines; D011941:Receptors, Adrenergic; D011968:Receptors, Histamine; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin