The role of noradrenaline
in depression: a review
by
Leonard BE
Pharmacology Department,
University College, Galway, Ireland.
J Psychopharmacol 1997; 11(4 Suppl):S39-47

ABSTRACT

This review summarizes some of the evidence implicating a dysfunction in the noradrenergic system in depression. Whereas the results of studies reporting changes in the concentration of the main noradrenaline metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, are equivocal, changes in adrenoceptor density and function and changes in adrenoceptors associated with the pituitary-adrenal axis function strongly implicate a disorder in central noradrenergic transmission in depression. This dysfunction may be caused by changes in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamines. The effect of corticotrophin releasing factor in modulating the activity of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus may provide the link between environmental trigger factors and central noradrenergic dysfunction. At the cellular level, evidence is presented of a link between noradrenaline and glutamate (via the N-methyl-aspartate receptor) and receptors. Such a link may provide a basis for the future development of novel antidepressants.

LHPA
Adrafinil
Modafinil
Yohimbine
Reboxetine
Tomoxetine
Mirtazapine
Desipramine
Depression: treatment
Noradrenaline regulation
Noradrenaline and mood
Noradrenaline and ageing
Noradrenaline and allergy
Noradrenaline and anxiety
Noradrenaline and cognition
Noradrenaline and dopamine
Noradrenergic antidepressants
Noradrenaline and atypical depression
Noradrenaline and dopamine co-release
Noradrenaline and the hedonic properties of drugs
Noradrenergic/dopaminergic antidepressants (PDF)

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