Differential Brain Receptor Stimulation by Norepinephrine and Serotonin: Possible Rationale for Differential Chemotherapy of Depression in Humans

Abstract

The biogenic amines, serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) were investigated for ability to produce central nervous stimulation in mice as measured by convulsions elicited by handling following intracerebral injection. Dose-response data indicated that both NE and 5HT produce CNS stimulation. The slopes of the first derivatives for 5 HT and DA are not similarto NE (-2.74) and are -20.8 and -1.0. The differences in slopes would suggest different receptor sites for the production of hyperactivity in mice. The findings of this investigation suggest that both serotonin and NE can induce central excitation. However, this excitation is not necessarily mediated through a common receptor site. Our experiments at least provide the framework for further exploration of possible differential brain receptor responsiveness for these two biogenic amines.

Keywords

Biogenic amines antidepressants depression receptor responsivity norepinephrine serotonin dopamine adrenergic system catecholamine system convulsions hyperactivity chemotherapy

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