Behavioural evidence for simultaneous dual changes of 5-HT receptor subtypes: mode of antidepressant action? |
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Authors: | D Perici? H Manev |
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Institution: | Department of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Rudjer Boskovi? Institute, Zagreb, Yugoslavia. |
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Abstract: | Effects of the classic antidepressant imipramine and of an imipramine-like potential antidepressant dihydroergosine were studied in mice, rats and guinea pigs using behavioural models associated with the activation of 5-HT2 and 5-HT1 receptors respectively. Both drugs given in a single dose inhibited the 5-HT2 mediated behaviour for 24 and 48 h respectively and simultaneously stimulated 5-HT1 mediated behaviour for 6 days. Blockade of 5-HT2 receptors could have reduced their inhibitory influence on 5-HT1 receptors. We propose that the interplay between the two receptor subtypes controls the serotoninergic transmission. This idea throws a new light on the mode of action of antidepressants. |
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