Antidepressants

Question 1

How does NA regulate the release of serotonin?

Answer 1

NA binds to alpha 2 adrenoreceptors-
blocks presynaptic inhibition by these receptors
serotonin released

Question 2

What amino acids and NA and 5-HT made from?

Answer 2

NA- tyrosine

5-HT- tryptophan

Question 3

What does 5-HT bind to and what is its role?

Answer 3

Bind to 7 different (most G-protein coupled) receptors

has a role in limbic processing

Question 4

What is the monoamine hypothesis

Answer 4

A functional deficit in serotonin and 5-HT

long term= these n.mitters have an effect on neurogenesis and synapse formation

Question 5

What are the 3 classes of antidepressant

Answer 5

1. SSRIs
2. Classical tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
3. MAOIs

Question 6

How do the 3 most common antidepressants work

Answer 6

1. MAOIs
   - inhibition of MAO (type a)
   - produce rapid and sustained increase in serotonin
2. TCAs
   - inhibit neuronal re-uptake of 5-HT and NA
   - different TCAs have different relative effects
3. SSRIs
   - specifically inhibit serotonin reuptake
   - have fewer side effects & less toxic than TCAs