Monoamines and abnormal behaviour: a multi-aminergic perspective

Article Abstract:

A functional approach to psychopathology, linking biological factors to various psychological disorders, is proposed. Results from monoamine research most clearly demonstrate the usefulness of this approach. Monoamines are a group of catecholamine compounds (CA) that are involved in the regulation of energy and feeling states: dopamine (DA), central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT), and noradrenaline (NA). Abnormal DA levels are found in patients with major depression, and have been linked to disturbances in goal-directed behavior. Research data suggest that the combined augmentation of 5-HT and CA availability in the central nervous system (CNS) relieves depression. Diminished 5-HT metabolism in the CNS is thought to be related to suicidal behavior and aggression, while excessive synthesis of 5-HT is thought to be related to panic disorder and anxiety. NA may play a part in anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and has been associated with depression, the self-reward aspects of goal-directed behavior, and anxiety. Traditionally, treatment efforts have been directed toward particular disorders, so that the dysfunctions underlying or resulting from the disorders are treated secondarily. It is thought that adopting a functional framework will lead to the use of combinations of psychotropic drugs selected to treat the particular dysfunctions or psychopathological dimensions (e.g., anhedonia or anxiety) of disorders. It is hoped that this approach will allow a more precise delineation of dysfunctional mental domains, and permit more clearly defined treatment goals and methods. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Abnormalities, Human behavior, Catecholamine metabolism, Psychobiology, Monoamine oxidase

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3-H-imipramine binding to previously frozen platelet membranes from depressed patients, before and after treatment

Article Abstract:

Depressed patients often have low levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter which is thought to affect mood states), and may have reduced binding of 3-H-imipramine (3-H-IMIP), which binds to sites on brain neurons and platelets involved in the uptake of serotonin. However, the inconsistencies between studies, in terms of finding reduced numbers of platelet 3-H-IMIP binding sites (Bmax), cast doubts on the validity of low Bmax values as a useful biological marker of depression. To further evaluate the relationship between Bmax values and depression, 39 patients with major depression and 44 healthy matched controls were studied. The patients were treated for up to six weeks with either imipramine, lofepramine (both are tricyclic antidepressants) or electroconvulsive (shock) therapy. Results indicated that Bmax did not differ significantly between depressed patients and controls. Bmax levels were found to be significantly higher among depressed patients who had made serious suicide attempts in the past. Depressed patients who tended to be most depressed in the morning had significantly lower Bmax levels than patients who tended to be more depressed in the afternoon or patients with little mood variation. A significant seasonal variation in Bmax was found in both patients and controls, with lower values in summer and autumn. The results seem to support a possible association between reduced Bmax levels and specific subgroups of depressed patients, but still do not warrant the designation of low 3-H-IMIP Bmax as a biological marker for depression. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Serotoninergic mechanisms, Imipramine

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