Atlas of
Psychiatric
Atlas of
Psychiatric
Pharmacotherapy
Second Edition
Roni Shiloh, MD
Geha Mental Health Center
Sackler Faculty of Medicine
Tel-Aviv University
Israel
Rafael Stryjer, MD
Beer-Yaakov Mental Health Center
Sackler Faculty of Medicine
Tel-Aviv University
Israel
Abraham Weizman, MD
Director of Research
Geha Mental Health Center
Sackler Faculty of Medicine
Tel-Aviv University
Israel
David Nutt, DM, FRCP, FRCPsych, FMedSci
Professor of Psychopharmacology
School of Medical Sciences
University of Bristol
UK
Graphics
Roni Shiloh, MD
Geha Mental Health Center
Sackler Faculty of Medicine
Tel-Aviv University
©2006 Taylor & Francis, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group Taylor & Francis Group is the Academic Division of Informa plc
First published in the United Kingdom in 2006 by Taylor & Francis, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN
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1.1 Principles of drug action – 2 presynaptic nerve terminal
Main reactions relevant for psychiatric pharmacotherapy
1.2 Principles of drug action – 4 postsynaptic nerve
Main reactions relevant for psychiatric pharmacotherapy
1.3 Signal transduction (I) 6
G-protein complex and activation of second messengers
1.4 Signal transduction (II) 7
Activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and subsequent protein phosphorylation
1.5 Signal transduction (III) 8
Gene expression
1.6 Neurotransmitters (I) 9
Monoamines – synthesis and degradation
1.7 Neurotransmitters (II) 10
Glutamate (excitatory) – synthesis and degradation
1.8 Neurotransmitters (III) 11
GABA (inhibitory) – synthesis and degradation
1.9 Vesicular monoamine transporter 12 type 2 (VMAT2)
Main mode of action
1.10 Intracellular modifications 14 following activation of various
receptors (I)
Changes in intracellular compounds following activation of major receptors
1.11 Intracellular modifications 15 following activation of various
receptors (II)
Changes in intracellular compounds following activation of major receptors
1.12 Receptor-mediated psychiatric 16 symptoms/syndromes
Assumed roles of specific receptors in major psychiatric syndromes
1.13 Receptor/transporter-mediated 17 ‘non-psychiatric’ symptoms
Assumed role of specific receptors in protecting from/inducing ‘non-psychiatric’ symptoms
1.14 Drug pharmacokinetics 18
Main pathways of drug metabolism
1.15a Cytochrome P450 (CYP) hepatic 20 enzymes (I)
Major CYP enzymes responsible for metabolizing various drugs
1.15b Cytochrome P450 (CYP) hepatic 21 enzymes (II)
Major CYP enzymes responsible for metabolizing various drugs
1.16 Drug pharmacokinetics 22
Major ‘psychiatric’ drugs blocking the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes
References 23
List of abbreviations
xiiChapter 1
2.1 Major depressive disorder 26
Depressive state – no treatment
2.2 Antidepressant drugs 28
Schematic classification according to main mode of therapeutic action
2.3 Major depressive disorder 30
Cellular changes following antidepressant treatment
2.4 Antidepressant drugs 32
Recently developed antidepressants (I) – SNRIs
2.5 Antidepressant drugs 34
Recently developed antidepressants (II) – mirtazapine
2.6 Antidepressant drugs 36
Recently developed antidepressants (III) – escitalopram
2.7 Pindolol – 5-HT1Aand b-adrenergic 38
antagonist
Supposed mode of accelerating and augmenting the antidepressant effect of SSRIs
2.8 Antidepressant drugs 40
Comparative affinities for various receptors/transporters
2.9 Antidepressant drugs 41
The main cytochrome P450 (CYP) hepatic enzymes responsible for metabolizing antidepressant drugs
2.10 Antidepressant drugs 42
Main adverse side-effects (I) – anticholinergic and central nervous system effects
2.11 Antidepressant drugs 43
Main adverse side-effects (II) – gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects
2.12 Antidepressant drugs 44
Effects on sexual function
2.13 Antidepressant drugs 45
Effects of antidepressant drugs on various sleep parameters
2.14 Antidepressant drugs 46
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
2.15 Antidepressant drugs 48
Potential future developments
2.16 Antimanic drugs 50
Supposed mechanism of action
2.17 Mood stabilizers 52 Lithium 2.18 Mood stabilizers 54 Carbamazepine 2.19 Mood stabilizers 56 Valproate
2.20 Mood stabilizer-like drugs 58
Topiramate
2.21 Mood stabilizer-like drugs 60
Lamotrigine 2.22 Mood stabilizers 62 Comparative profile References 63
Chapter 3
Anxiolytic drugs
3.1 Anxiolytics (I) 68The ‘fear’ network and the role of serotonin in suppressing anxiety
3.3 Anxiolytics (III) 72
New approaches for developing anxiolytic drugs
Chapter 2
3.5 c-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) 76 macromolecular complex (II)
Agents that suppress chloride channel/GABAAreceptor activity
(cause anxiety)
3.6 Sedatives and hypnotics 77
Comparative clinical and side-effect profile
3.7 Antihistaminergic drugs 78
Comparative clinical and side-effect profile
3.8 Buspirone 80
Supposed mechanism of action in anxiety disorders
3.9 Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) 82
Supposed mechanism of action of anti-OCD drugs 3.10 Benzodiazepines 84 Hepatic metabolism References 85
Chapter 4
Antipsychotic drugs
Chapter 3
Anxiolytic drugs (cont.)
4.1 Schizophreniform disorder 90
No treatment
4.2 Schizophreniform disorder 92
The potential role of GABAergic hypofunction 4.3 Antipsychotic drugs 94 Typical (first-generation) antipsychotic drugs – mechanism of action 4.4 Antipsychotic drugs 96 Second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic drugs – mechanism of action 4.5 Antipsychotic drugs 98
Schematic characteristics: typical versus atypical antipsychotic drugs
4.6 Antipsychotic drugs 99
Specific characteristics: typical versus atypical antipsychotic drugs
4.7 Antipsychotic drugs 100
Main adverse side-effects (I)
4.8 Antipsychotic drugs 101
Main adverse side-effects (II)
4.9 Antipsychotic drugs 102
Comparative affinity for different receptors
5.1 Neurobiology of sexual function 106
Assumed modulators of sexual function
5.2 Male sexual function (I) 108
Drugs that can maintain/induce erection
5.3 Male sexual function (II) 110
Main drugs affecting ejaculation
5.4 Drugs affecting sexual function 112
Sexual adverse side-effects associated with various psychotropics
References 113
Chapter 5
Drugs affecting sexual function
Chapter 6
Drugs for the treatment of symptoms related to
substance abuse
6.1 Abused substances – opiates 116
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.2 Abused substances – 118
amphetamines (I)
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.2 Abused substances – 119
amphetamines (II)
Supposed mechanism of dependence, adverse effects, and treatment options
6.3 Abused substances – cocaine 120
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.4 Abused sustances – MDMA (ecstasy) 122
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.5 Abused substances – phencyclidine 124 (PCP)
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.6 Abused sustances – alcohol 126
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.7 Abused substances – cannabis 128
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.8 Abused substances – lysergic 130 acid diethylamide
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.9 Abused substances – benzodiazepines 132
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.10 Abused substances – nicotine 134
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.11 Abused substances – psilocybin 136
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.12 Abused substances – inhalants 138 (volatile solvents)
Supposed mechanism of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment options
6.13 Abused substances – 140
acute intoxication (I)
Frequently encountered ‘non-psychiatric’ symptoms
6.14 Abused substances – 141 acute intoxication (II)
Frequently encountered ‘psychiatric’ symptoms
6.15 Abused substances – 142
withdrawal symptoms
Frequently encountered withdrawal symptoms
References 143
Chapter 8
Drug interactions
Chapter 7
Miscellaneous drugs/treatment modalities
Chapter 6
Drugs for the treatment of symptoms related to
substance abuse (cont.)
8.1 Tricyclic and tetracyclic 162 antidepressant drugs
Drug interactions
8.2.1 Selective serotonin reuptake 164 inhibitors (SSRIs) – citalopram/
escitalopram
Drug interactions
8.2.3 Selective serotonin reuptake 168 inhibitors (SSRIs) – fluvoxamine
Drug interactions
8.2.4 Selective serotonin reuptake 170 inhibitors (SSRIs) – paroxetine
Drug interactions
8.2.5 Selective serotonin reuptake 172 7.1 Drugs for the treatment of 148
dementia of Alzheimer’s type (DAT)
Suggested mechanisms involved in DAT and potential drug treatments
7.2 Drugs effective for the treatment of 150 extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS)
Suggested mechanisms involved in EPS and relevant drug treatments
7.3 Drugs effective for the treatment of 152 extrapyramidal side-effects (EPS)
Comparative clinical and side-effect profile
7.4 Electroencephalogram (EEG) 153
Findings associated with specific drugs
7.5 Drugs effective for the treatment 154 of obesity
Suggested mechanisms involved in obesity and potential drug treatments
7.6 Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 156
Supposed mechanism of action
7.7 Major depressive disorder with 158 seasonal pattern (MDDSP)
Supposed mechanism of action of light therapy in major depressive disorder as part of SAD
8.3 Serotonin–norepinephrine 174 reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Drug interactions
8.4 Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors – 176 bupropion and reboxetine
Drug interactions
8.5.1 Mood stabilizers – lithium 178
Drug interactions
8.5.2 Mood stabilizers – carbamazepine 180
Drug interactions
8.5.3 Mood stabilizers – valproate 182
Drug interactions
8.6 Lamotrigine and topiramate 184
Drug interactions
8.7 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors 186 (MAOIs)
Drug interactions
8.8 Reversible inhibitors of monoamine 188 oxidase type A (RIMAs)
Drug interactions
8.9.1. First-generation (‘typical’) 190 antipsychotic drugs – phenothiazines
Drug interactions
8.9.2 First-generation (‘typical’) 192 antipsychotic drugs – haloperidol
and others
Drug interactions
8.9.3 Second-generation (‘atypical’) 194 antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) –
amisulpiride, aripiprazole, clozapine, and olanzapine
Drug interactions
8.9.4 Second-generation (‘atypical’) 196 antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) –
quetiapine, risperidone, sertindole, and ziprasidone Drug interactions 8.10 Benzodiazepines 198 Drug interactions 8.11 Alcohol (ethanol) 200 Drug interactions
8.12 Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) 202
Drug interactions 8.13 Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor – 204 donepezil Drug interactions References 205
Chapter 8
Drug interactions (cont.)
Chapter 9
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.1 Major depressive disorder (MDD) 208 (non-resistant)
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.2 Major depressive disorder (MDD) 209 with psychotic features
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.3 Major depressive disorder (MDD) 210 with atypical features
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.4 Major depressive disorder (MDD) 212
9.6 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder 216 (PMDD)
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.7 Dysthymic disorder 218
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.8 Major depressive disorder as part 220 of bipolar I disorder
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.9 Acute manic episode 222
9.12 Obsessive–compulsive disorder 228 (OCD)
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.13 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 230
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.14 Specific phobia 232
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.15 Social anxiety disorder (SAD) 234
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.16 Acute psychotic exacerbation of 236 schizophrenia
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.17 Schizoaffective disorder – 238 depressed episode
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.18 Schizoaffective disorder – 240 manic episode
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.19 Delusional disorder 242
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.20 Anorexia nervosa (AN) 244
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.21 Bulimia nervosa (BN) 246
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.22 Attention deficit hyperactivity 248 disorder (ADHD)
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.23 Neuroleptic malignant 250
syndrome (NMS)
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.24 Tardive dyskinesia (TD) 252
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.25 Acute neuroleptic-induced akathisia 254
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.26 Delirium 256
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.27 Tobacco smoking 258
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
9.28 Borderline personality disorder 260
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
References 262
Chapter 9
Treatment strategies (evidence-based)
AC Adenylate cyclase Acetyl-CoA Acetyl coenzyme A
ACh Acetylcholine
AChE Acetylcholinesterase
AChM1,... Acetylcholine muscarinic receptor
subtypes
AChN Acetylcholine nicotinic receptor ACPD 1-Aminocyclopentyl-1,3-dicarboxylate
AD Alzheimer’s disease
ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
ADP Adenosine diphosphate
ADR Adrenergic receptor
AgRP Agouti-related gene product
a-KG a-Ketoglutarate
AMPA a-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propanoic acid
a-MSH Melanocortin-stimulating hormone
AN Anorexia nervosa
AP4 2-Amino-4-phosphonobutyrate
APD Antipsychotic drug
ATP Adenosine triphosphate
Bcl-2 B-cell lymphoma protein 2 BDNF Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
BDZ Benzodiazepine
BN Bulimia nervosa
BuChE Butylcholinesterase
cAMP Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CART Cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript
CBT Cognitive–behavioral therapy
CCK Cholecystokinin
CCKA Cholecystokinin receptor, type A
cGMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
CNS Central nervous system
CNTF Ciliary neurotrophic factor COMT Catechol-O-methyltransferase
CRE cAMP-response element
CREB cAMP-response element-binding protein CRF Corticotrophin-releasing factor
CVS Cardiovascular system
CYP ... Cytochrome P450 enzyme isoforms
D1,... Dopaminergic receptor subtypes
DAG Diacylglycerol
DMT N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
DSM Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (American Psychiatric Association)
ECT Electroconvulsive therapy
EKG Electrocardiogram
FDA Food and Drug Administration (USA) FGA First-generation (‘typical’) antipsychotic
drug
GC Guanylate cyclase
GDP Guanosine diphosphate
GHSR Growth hormone secretogogue receptor GIT Gastrointestinal tract
GLP Glucagon-like peptide 1
5’-GMP Guanosine 5’-monophosphate GnRH Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone GSK-3b Glycogen synthase kinase 3b
GTP Guanosine triphosphate
GU Genitourinary
H1,2 Histaminergic receptor subtypes
5-HIAA 5-Hydroxyindole acetic acid 5-HT 5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) 5-HT1,... Serotonergic receptor subtypes
HVA Homovanillic acid
INR International Normalized Ratio (blood coagulation test)
IP1 Inositol monophosphate
IP3 Inositol trisphosphate
LAAM L-a-Acetylmethadol
LC Locus ceruleus
LSD Lysergic acid diethylamide
MAO Monoamine oxidase
MAOI MAO inhibitor
MCH Melanin-concentrating hormone
mCPP m-Chlorophenylpiperazine
MDD Major depressive disorder MDDSP MDD with seasonal pattern mRNA Messenger ribonucleic acid
NAc Nucleus accumbens
NARI Selective noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitor
NE Norepinephrine (noradrenaline)
NGF Nerve growth factor
NK1 Neurokinin receptor, type 1
(receptor for substance P) NK2 Neurokinin receptor, type 2
(receptor for neurokinin A)
NMDA N-Methyl-D-aspartate
NMS Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
NO Nitric oxide
NPY Neuropeptide Y
NRT Nicotine replacement therapy NT-3/4/5 Neurotropin-3/4/5
ObRb Functional long leptin receptor OCD Obsessive–compulsive disorder
OX-A/B Orexin A/B
PD Panic disorder
PDE4/5 Phosphodiesterase-4/5
PK Protein kinase
RNA Ribonucleic acid
SAD Social anxiety disorder SCN Suprachiasmatic nucleus of
hypothalamus
SGA Second-generation (‘atypical’) antipsychotic drug
SNRI Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
SRI Serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SSAD Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase
TCA Tricyclic antidepressant
TD Tardive dyskinesia
TeCA Tetracyclic antidepressant
trkB Receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
TRH Thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH)-releasing hormone tRNA Transfer ribonucleic acid
VMAT2 Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2
Chapter 1
Basic principles of
psychiatric
pharmacotherapy
1.1 Principles of drug action – presynaptic nerve terminal
Main reactions relevant for psychiatric pharmacotherapy
Axon
IAR
PMT
IHR
Nerve
terminal
Metabolites First messengers Mitochondria VMAT2 Plasma membrane Plasma membrane transporter (reuptake site)Available for postsynaptic interaction
From adjunct neuron MAO MAO ~30% ~70% Neurotransmitter Inhibits Monoamine oxidase
IAR Inhibitory autoreceptor IHR Inhibitory heteroreceptor PMT Plasma membrane transporter
VMAT2 Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2
psychiatric pharmacotherapy.
Practically all of our ideas about the therapeutic effects of the major psychotropic drugs are based on their action at pre- and postsynaptic
receptors/transporters.
Notes about the scheme
In the central nervous system, information is transferred via electrical impulses (action potentials) originating in the cell bodies of neurons andprogressing along their axons and up to their terminal regions, where it is transformed into chemical
information in the form of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are stored in intracellular vesicles, and, following the arrival of an action potential, they undergo exocytosis (a calcium-dependent process) into the synaptic cleft, where they are available for postsynaptic interaction. Those compounds (e.g. neurotransmitters) acting on postsynaptic receptors to induce consequent intracellular changes are termed first messengers. Following their interaction with receptors, they are either metabolized or taken for reuse. Research in recent years has focused on a better understanding of these receptor interactions and the intracellular changes attributable to drug
administration.
There are several hundreds of known
neurotransmitters: those most known and relevant to psychiatric pharmacotherapy are listed in Table 1.1.
The amount of a neurotransmitter available for exocytosis depends on several mechanisms:
● the availability of the neurotransmitter and the
proper functioning of the sites of its reuptake into the presynaptic nerve;
transport of the neurotransmitter from cytoplasm into storage vesicles by vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2);
● appropriate metabolism of the neurotransmitter by enzymes such as mitochondrial monoamine oxidase (MAO).
Furthermore, there are several main modulatory systems that together govern the rate of neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft:
● Autoreceptors (ARs) interact with
neurotransmitters produced by the same nerve, and consequently suppress or stimulate neurotransmitter release into the synaptic cleft. They are located in the presynaptic nerve terminals or in the soma, dendrites, and axons of central nervous system neurons.
● Heteroreceptors (HRs), like autoreceptors, can
either suppress (inhibitory autoreceptors such as the a2-adrenergic) or enhance the release of
neurotransmitters. They are termed heteroreceptors since they are activated by neurotransmitters (e.g. norepinephrine) different from those produced by the nerve on which they are located (e.g. serotonergic). There might be numerous different heteroreceptors that bind various neurotransmitters on a single nerve. Table 1.2 summarizes some of the main modulating mechanisms relevant to intact functioning of the presynaptic nerve. Psychotropic medications can either enhance or suppress many of the major processes or modulatory events listed in this chapter.1–4
Table 1.1
Biogenic amines Amino acids Peptides Miscellaneous
Acetylcholine Aspartate Angiotensin Oxcytocin Adenosine
Dopamine Glutamate Bombesin Prolactin Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) Histamine Glycine Bradykinin Somatostatin Nitric oxide
Norepinephrine c-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) Cholecystokinin Tachykinins Carbon monoxide (noradrenaline) Homocysteate Endorphins Vasoactive intestinal
Serotonin Melatonin peptide
Table 1.2
Nerve type Inhibitory AR Inhibitory HR Stimulatory AR Stimulatory HR
Cholinergic Muscarine type 2 (M2) a2-adrenoreceptor; Nicotinic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA)
dopamine type D2/D3;
serotonin type 5-HT3
Dopaminergic Dopamine type D2/D3 Muscarinic type 2 (M2); Nicotinic: N-methyl-D
-serotonin type 5-H3? aspartate (NMDA)
GABAergic (releases GABA type B (GABAB)
c-aminobutric acid)
1.2 Principles of drug action – postsynaptic nerve
Main reactions relevant for psychiatric pharmacotherapy
G-protein complex
Activation of specific protein kinases
Specific intracellular responses
Neurotransmitter Membrane receptor linked to G-protein PLC AC GC DAG cAMP cGMP IP3 Signal transduction Intracellular Ca2 storage vesicle Activates/stimulates Second messengers Adenylate cyclase Cyclic guanosine monophosphate Cyclic adenosine monophosphate DAG Diacylglycerol GC Guanylate AC cAMP cGMP IP3 Inositol trisphosphate PLC Phospholipase C
Legend
Postsynaptic interactions are one of the major aspects of almost all drugs used in psychiatry. These interactions may account for a drug’s therapeutic effects and/or its adverse side-effects. Most drugs in use are non-selective, meaning that they have interactions with multiple pre- and postsynaptic receptors or transporters. Most current knowledge about the mechanism of drug action is based on direct pre- and postsynaptic drug interactions and the subsequent modulation of intracellular
components such as second, third, and fourth messengers.
Second messengers are specific intracellular components that are indirectly stimulated by the first messengers to activate intracellular
components such as certain enzymes termed protein kinases (PKs). The most studied second messengers are calcium ion, inositol
trisphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), cyclic
adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
Notes about the scheme
As previously noted, first messengers interact with plasma membrane components with consequent activation of intracellular molecules such as protein kinases. Hence, normal neuronal activity requires intact pre- and postsynaptic interactions between first messengers/ neurotransmitters and their target receptors/ transporters located on the extracellular membrane. Neurotransmitters bind with high affinity to postsynaptic receptors that are linked either to protein complexes termed G-proteins (see Section 1.3) or to ion channels. G-proteins are so-called because of their ability to bind the guanine nucleotides guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and guanosine diphosphate (GDP). Three major types of G-proteins are involved in signal transduction: Gp, Gs, and Gj. These protein
complexes differ from one another in their a subunits, which, in turn, gives rise to different and sometimes opposing effects on consequent
intracellular functioning. Many of the drugs used in psychiatry can either antagonize the receptors linked to specific G-proteins or stimulate them in a similar way to that of the endogenous first messenger.
Synaptic responses mediated by receptor-gated ion channels and G-protein-linked receptors have considerably different time courses. The direct effects of ligand-gated channels are rapid and transitory, usually ending in less than 1 ms, whereas those mediated by G-protein-linked receptors are slower in onset (requiring at least 100 ms to develop) and can be very long in duration (minutes).
Some drugs also bind with high affinity to receptors whose transmitters have not been identified as yet (orphan receptors).
Pharmacotherapy that alters first-messenger activities and interacts with various membrane receptors inevitably alters the functioning of second-messenger components. These are substances such as phospholipase C (PLC), adenylate cyclase (AC), guanylate cyclase (GC), phospholipids, and arachidonic acid. They can also modify cellular functioning by changing the intracellular concentrations of major ions, especially calcium, which is also considered a second messenger. The outcome of the altered second-messenger activities is a modification of PK functioning, which is followed by enduring intra- and intercellular responses. PKs activate cellular components by phosphorylating various proteins that are inactive/less active unless phosphorylated. Following PK activation, the phosphorylated proteins (also termed third messengers) cause numerous subsequent modifications in cellular functioning.
Usually, PKs are activated by second messengers and they are often named after these second messengers (cAMP-dependent PK for example). However, there are also other types of PKs that are not second-messenger-dependent. Among these are protein tyrosine kinases (which phosphorylate substrate proteins specifically on tyrosine residues), casein kinases, and numerous others.4–7
1.3 Signal transduction (I)
G-protein complex and activation of second messengers
Catalytic domain
(inactive when covered by the regulatory domain)
Regulatory domain
(covers the catalytic domain if cAMP is not attached to it)
G-protein complex GDP GDP Inactive AC Activated AC ATP cAMP S b b c a c a a S S
Inactive membrane receptor
linked to G-protein (e.g. by neurotransmitter)Activated receptor
GTP GTP cAMP-dependent protein kinase Activates/stimulates Dissociates Neurotransmitter Various subunits of the G-protein complex
AC Adenylate
cAMP Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
GDP Guanosine diphosphate GTP Guanosine triphosphate
Legend
Inactive
protein kinase
Active
protein kinase
cAMP ATP ADP cAMP-dependent protein kinase(inactive; without cAMP attached)
Alters intracellular functioning
(e.g. may affect lipid/protein/glucose metabolism, cell division/differentiation, permeability/excitability
of cell membrane, secretory processes, gene expression)
Inactive (not phosphorylated) protein
or transcription factor
Activated (phosphorylated) protein or transcription factor (see Section 1.5)
(cAMP attached)
Catalytic domain Phosphate residue Regulatory domain Metabolic pathway
ADP Adenosine diphosphate ATP Adenosine triphosphate
cAMP Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
,
1.5 Signal transduction (III)
Gene expressionCell nucleus
Double-stranded DNA mRNA tRNA Protein Active TF Active TF RNA polymerase II Activates Regulatory element Transcribed regionRNA Ribonucleic acid
DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid mRNA Messenger ribonucleic acid
tRNA Transfer ribonucleic acid TF Transcription factor
Noradrenergic nerve terminal
Dopaminergic nerve terminal
Serotonergic nerve terminal
Cholinergic nerve terminal
Tyrosine L-dopa L-dopa NE-PMT MHPG DA 5-HIAA Tryptophan 5-OH-tryptophan NE a2-ADR a2-ADR 5-HT1D Mit. Mit. 5-HT NE 1 3 1 2 3 1–3 2 Tyrosine hydroxylase Tryptophan hydroxylase
Amino acid decarboxylase Dopa decarboxylase
DA-b-hydroxylase
Tyrosine
Acetic acid Choline Choline-PMT HVA DA-PMT Dopamine Acetylcholine Acetyl-CoA D2,3 AChM2 Mit. Tyrosine hydroxylase Choline acetyltransferase Dopa decarboxylase Name Acetylcholinesterase
(on postsynaptic membrane)
Enzymes Inhibits
Receptors Stimulates
MAO type A COMT MAO type A/B COMT MAO type A aldehyde dehydrogenase
5-HIAA 5-Hydroxyindole acetic acid 5-HT 5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)
ADR Adrenergic
COMT Catechol-O-methyltransferase DA Dopamine
HVA Homovanillic acid MAO Monoamine oxidase
MHPG 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol Mit. Mitochondria
NE Norepinephrine (noradrenaline) PMT Plasma membrane transporter AChM2 Acetycholine muscarinic
receptor subtype
Acetyl-CoA Acetyl coenzyme A
D2,3 Dopaminergic receptor subtype
1.7 Neurotransmitters (II)
Glutamate (excitatory) – synthesis and degradation
Presynaptic
glutamatergic
nerve
terminal
Postsynaptic
nerve
Mit. Pyruvate Glutamate (any kind) GlutamateIncreased cation influx
(causes excitatory response)
Cations (mainly Ca2) AP4 NMDA receptor complex Glutamate-PMT Combination of glycine and 2 molecules of glutamate is needed
to properly open the cation channel Inhibits Stimulates Glycine Ketamine, phencyclidine (PCP), Mg2 AP4 2-Amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (inhibitory autoreceptor)
NMDA N-methyl-D-aspartate
PMT Plasma membrane transporter Mit. Mitochondria
SC SSA Glutamate a-KG
Presynaptic
GABAergic
nerve terminal
Postsynaptic
nerve
(any kind) Inside the mitochondriaMitochondria GABA GABA SSAD GABA-T Gl u ta m ic acid deca rboxylase GABA GABAA Increased Cl influx
(reduces cell excitability; see Section 3.4 for more details)
Acetyl-CoA SC macromolecular complex SSA Glutamate Name a-KG GABA-PMT GABAB Pyruvate Cl ions Pyruvate Enzymes Inhibits Stimulates a-KG a-Ketoglutarate GABA c-Aminobutyric acid
Acetyl-CoA Acetyl coenzyme A
PMT Plasma membrane transporter SC Succinate
SSA Succinic semialdehyde
SSAD Succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase GABA-T GABA ketoglutarate transaminase
(aminotransferase)
1.9 Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2)
Main mode of action
Presynaptic
nerve terminal
Metabolites Mitochondria Storage vesicle Neurotransmitter(i.e. biogenic amine)
VMAT2 30% MAO 70% PMT Inhibits Tetrabenazine
Serine residue of VMAT2 Neurotransmitter
Hydroxyl group Attaches to hydroxyl
group of neurotransmitter
Stimulates
Reserpine
MAO Monoamine oxidase
PMT Plasma membrane transporter
VMAT2 Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2
Notes about the scheme
A neurotransmitter, once released from the presynaptic nerve into the synaptic cleft, can be involved in several processes. A fraction of the released neurotransmitter binds to the
corresponding post- or presynaptic receptors, with a consequent secondary intracellular change. Following this, it dissociates from the specific receptor back into the synaptic cleft, ready for reuptake into the presynaptic nerve or for further receptor interaction. Some is
retransported into the presynaptic nerve terminal by the plasma membrane transporter (PMT). Having entered the presynaptic nerve terminal, about 30% of the neurotransmitter is metabolized by a specific catabolic enzyme termed a monoamine oxidase (MAO): MAO type A is the main enzyme responsible for metabolizing serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, while MAO type B metabolizes dopamine. Acetylcholine undergoes an extracellular catabolic process catalyzed by acetylcholinesterase. About 70% of the neurotransmitters taken up by the PMT are re-stored in intracellular vesicles located in the presynaptic nerve terminal. Each of these vesicles contains only a specific biogenic amine:
norepinephrine is accumulated and stored in specific vesicles in noradrenergic nerves, serotonin in specific vesicles in serotonergic nerves, etc.
Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) is located on the membrane of the intracellular storage vesicle, and it transports all biogenic amines (e.g. serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, histamine) with
practically equivalent affinity. Regional localization of VMAT2 is consistent with the known monoamine nerve terminal density; it is highest in the striatum, lateral septum,
substantia nigra pars compacta, raphe nucleus, and locus ceruleus. Lower density is evident in the cerebral cortex and in the cerebellum. VMAT2 is a protein with 12 membrane
segments, and both of its extremities are located in the cytoplasmatic site. The mechanism of VMAT2 action is complex and only partially
understood. It is thought that transport of biogenic amines is dependent on the pH gradient between the cytoplasm and the
intravesicular space. The cytoplasm is a relatively high-pH region compared with the intravesicular space (low-pH region; pH 4–5). This pH gradient provides an essential driving force for the transport of the biogenic amine from the cytoplasm into the vesicle in exchange for a proton, which is transported in the opposite direction. Some data suggest that a serine residue in the third transmembrane domain of VMAT2 is the most important factor for
recognizing the transported biogenic amine, and that hydroxyl groups on the different biogenic amines serve as substrates that are recognized by the serine residues.
Several substances are known to affect VMAT2. The most studied are reserpine and
tetrabenazine. Both inhibit VMAT2 activity
with a consequent decrease in biogenic amine transport into storage vesicles. This results in a reduced amount of biogenic amine available for release into the synaptic cleft. Reserpine and
tetrabenazine have different binding sites on
VMAT2 and are presumed to exert their inhibitory effects on biogenic amine transport via different mechanisms. There is some
evidence for the existence of two conformations of VMAT2, binding either reserpine or
tetrabenazine. This means that when
reserpine (or tetrabenazine) binds VMAT2, it
inhibits its capacity to uptake monoamines but at the same time prevents the binding of the other antagonist (tetrabenazine or reserpine, respectively). Chronic use of these drugs leads to a relative depletion of amine stores, which is why they can cause depression. Other possible inhibitors of VMAT2 activity are cytotoxic compounds such as ethidium,
isometamidium,
tetraphenyl-phosphonium, and rhodamine, as well as
agents such as tacrine, verapamil, and the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The way in which estrogen and progesterone affect VMAT2 is unclear, and might be via an indirect action (e.g. reduced VMAT2 gene expression).8–16
1.10 Intracellular modifications following activation of various
receptors (I)
Changes in intracellular components following activation of major receptors
Affected intracellular components
Activated
membrane
receptors
Na a1-ADR a2-ADR d, j, l opioid j opioid 5-HT1A 5-HT1D 5-HT2A 5-HT2C 5-HT3 5-HT4,6,7 A1 A2 AChM1,3 AChM2 AChM4 AChN b1–3-ADR K Cl cAMP cGMP IP3 DAG Ca2 Increased concentration of intracellular component Decreased concentration of intracellular component5-HT1–7 Serotonergic receptor subtypes
A1,2 Adenosine receptors
cAMP Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
cGMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
DAG Diacylglycerol IP3 Inositol trisphosphate
a1,2/b1–3-ADR Adrenergic receptor subtypes
AChM1–4 Acetylcholine muscarinic receptor subtypes
AChN Acetylchlorine nicotinic receptor
Affected intracellular components
Activated
membrane
receptors
Increased concentration/activity of intracellular component Decreased concentration/activity of intracellular component ACPD1,2cAMP Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
CCKA Cholecystokinin receptor
D1–5 Dopaminergic receptor subtypes
IP3 Inositol trisphosphate
DAG Diacylglycerol
H1,2 Histaminergic receptor subtypes
NK1 Neurokinin receptor, type 1
(receptor for substance P)
NK2 Neurokinin receptor, type 2
(receptor for neurokinin A)
NMDA N-Methyl-D-aspartate
cGMP Cyclic guanosine monophosphate
Na K cAMP ACPD1 ACPD2 CCKA D1,5 D2 GABAA GABAB H1 H2 NK1 NK2 D3,4 AMPA Kainate NMDA cGMP DAG Cl IP3 Ca2
Glutamatergic receptor subtypes (1-aminocyclopentyl-1,3-dicarboxylate)
AMPA Glutamatergic receptor subtype
(a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid)
GABAA,B c-Aminobutyric acid receptor
subtypes
1.12 Receptor-mediated psychiatric symptoms/syndromes
Assumed roles of specific receptors in major psychiatric syndromes
Psychiatric symptoms/syndromes
Stimulated
receptors
Anxiety spectrum Pre-synaptic Post-synaptic Ge n e ralized a n xiety 5-HT1A 5-HT1A 5-HT2A/2C a1-ADR 5-HT1D D2 GABAA Obsessive– co m p u lsive Pa n ic attacks Phobia (social) Bu limia Dep ression Psychosis Sex u al dys fu nc tionImproved symptom (by activation of the correspondent receptor)
Worsened symptom (by activation of the correspondent receptor)
5-HT1A,1D,2A,2C Serotonergic receptor subtypes
a1-ADR Adrenergic receptor subtype
D2 Dopaminergic receptor subtype
GABAA c-Aminobutyric acid receptor, type A
Stimulated/inhibited receptors/transporters
5-HT 1A 5-HT 1D 5-HT 2A/2C 5-HT 2A/2C 5-HT -PMT DA-PMT 5-HT 3 5-HT 3 AChM 1 D2 GABA A H1 NE-PMT a2 -ADR a1 -ADR a1 -ADRCNS
CVS
GIT
GU
Others
Agitation Akathisia Dry mouth EPS (c) Headache (c) Headache (p) Hyperthermia Hypothermia Insomnia Memory impairment (c) Prolactinemia Sedation Seizures (c) Sweat (c) Sweat (p) Hypertension Hypotension Tachycardia Appetite (c) Appetite (p) Constipation Diarrhea GIT discomfort Nausea/vomiting (c) Nausea/vomiting (p) Weight gain Anorgasmia Erectile dysfunction Libido (decreased) Priapism Retrograde ejaculation Sexual dysfunctions (c) Sexual dysfunctions (p) Urinary retention Blurred vision Photophobia Tremor EPS (p)Presynaptic Postsynaptic Transporters
Data fairly well established Data not well established Green-colored receptor/transporter Stimulated receptor/transporter
Red-colored receptor/transporter Inhibited receptor/transporter
(c) Causes specific symptom
a1,2-ADR Adrenergic receptor subtypes
CNS Central nervous system CVS Cardiovascular system
EPS Extrapyramidal side-effects
GABAA c-Aminobutyric acid receptor, type A
GIT Gastrointestinal tract GU Genitourinary
H1 Histaminergic receptor subtype
NE-PMT
D2 Dopaminergic receptor subtype
(p) Protects from specific symptom 5-HT1A,1D,2A,2C,3 Serotonergic receptor subtypes
5-HT-PMT Plasma membrane transporter for serotonin
AChM1 Acetylcholine muscarinic
receptor, type 1
DA-PMT Plasma membrane transporter for dopamine
Plasma membrane transporter for norepinephrine
1.14 Drug pharmacokinetics
Main pathways of drug metabolism
Systemic
circulation
GIT
Liver
Renal tubules A A Excreted in the urine Excreted in the feces Biliary tract Free (active) form CYP CYP Drug Metabolite/s (following phase I) Drug (albumin-bound) Drug (conjugated; following phase II)CYP Cytochrome P450 GIT Gastrointestinal tract
Notes about the scheme
Pharmacokinetic interactions are subdivided into
absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Absorption
Orally administered drugs can undergo processing while passing through the gastrointestinal trace. Such processes may interfere with absorption by affecting the rate and total amount of drug absorbed. The rate of absorption is important if a rapid response is needed. It has little importance if the drug is given chronically or in multiple daily doses. In the case of a drug given in a single dose, with a need for an immediate response, altered absorption might prevent the expected therapeutic response (due to inability to reach the appropriate serum level). There are several factors governing absorption:
● Gastrointestinal pH. Absorption from the
gastrointestinal tract (mostly from the proximal parts of the ileum) depends on the solubility of the agent (the more
lipid-soluble, the better is the diffusion through the intestinal membrane) and on the electrical charge of the agent (the non-ionized form usually diffuses well through the mucous membrane). The gastrointestinal pH may alter these parameters.
● Absorption–precipitation. Many agents
may form a larger complex – precipitates with other particles such as metallic ions (aluminum, bismuth, calcium, iron) – while passing via the gastrointestinal tract. These complexes are sometimes poorly absorbed.
● Gut motility. Some agents can alter gut
motility, which can have opposite effects – decreased gut motility, or delayed emptying of the stomach, causes the drug to spend more time in the gastrointestinal tract, and can either enhance absorption (with drugs for which a prolonged time enables better dissolution) or impair it (with drugs that are metabolized by gut wall catabolic enzymes).
Distribution
Once absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, drugs pass through the liver via the portal circulation and are metabolized to various extents (the first-pass effect). Following passage
Changes in distribution can be evident if perfusion to a target organ or tissue is altered. Initially, highly perfused tissues (central nervous system, heart, kidneys, liver) exhibit a rapid blood–tissue equilibration of drugs. Then, the drug may be redistributed to less-perfused tissues (muscle, adipose). This redistribution can mean that a drug with a long elimination half-life might exert a shorter therapeutic effect than a second drug with a shorter elimination half-life due to the former drug’s greater affinity for adipose tissue (or a larger volume of
distribution).
Distribution is also affected by a drug’s protein-binding properties. Most drugs are bound to plasma proteins, particularly to albumin. The bound fraction is
pharmacologically inactive. Once some of the free drug has been metabolized, a portion of the bound drug becomes unbound and can exert its pharmacological activities and, at the same time, is subjected to metabolic processing and
excretion. Significant drug–drug interactions are associated with drugs that are more than 90% bound to plasma proteins.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the biotransformation of a drug to another chemical and a less lipid-soluble form that is more easily excreted. The vast majority of metabolic processing is done by a group of enzymes (i.e. cytochrome P450 (CYP)) located in microsomes of the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatic cells. There are four main types of metabolic reactions: oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis (termed phase I), and conjugation (termed phase II). Phase I reactions change the parent compound into a more polar form, which may be still pharmacologically active, partially active, or inactive. When a drug has been metabolized by phase I reactions, it can be metabolized further by phase II, or it can be hydrophilic enough to be eliminated without further metabolism. Phase II reactions involve the conjugation (coupling) of a drug with a polar substrate such as glucuronic, acetic, sulfuric or an amino acid, which generally leads to total inactivation of the parent compound. Many drugs alter the activities of these metabolic processes by either stimulating catabolic enzymes or inhibiting them, and many drug–drug interactions are due to this.
1.15a Cytochrome P450 (CYP) hepatic enzymes (I)
Major CYP enzymes responsible for metabolizing various drugs
CYP enzymes
Substrates
1A2 Acetaminophen Alprazolam Astemizole Betaxolol Caffeine Carbamazepine Celecoxib Chlorpheniramine Cisapride Codeine Cyclosporine Dexamethasone Dexfenfluramine Dextromethorphan DHEA Diazepam Diclofenac Diltiazem Donepezil Doxycycline Erythromycin Estradiol Ethanol Felodipine Flecainide Ibuprofen Lidocaine Loratadine Lovastatin Mefenamic acid Methadone 2B6 2C19 2C9 2D6 2E1 3A4Major enzyme/s responsible for the hepatic metabolism of the specific substrate (e.g. drug)
DHEA Dehydroepiandrosterone
Note: For psychiatric drugs and CYP enzynes, see the relevant drug sections
Substrates
CYP enzymes
Major enzyme/s responsible for the hepatic metabolism of the specific substrate (e.g. drug)
Warfarin (R/S) Specific isomers of warfarin
1A2 2B6 2C19 2C9 2D6 2E1 3A4 Metoprolol Midazolam Naproxen Nifedipine Omeprazole Ondansetron Orphenadrine Phenytoin Piroxicam Progesterone Propafenone Propranolol Quinidine Rifampin Sibutramine Sildenafil Simvastatin Tacrine Tamoxifen Terfenadine Testosterone Theophylline Timolol Tolbutamide Tramadol Triazolam Verapamil Warfarin (R) Warfarin (S) Zolmitriptan Zolpidem
Legend
1.16 Drug pharmacokinetics
Major 'psychiatric' drugs blocking the hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes
Various
inhibitors of
CYP enzymes
Antidepressant drugs Antipsychotic drugsVarious stimulators of CYP enzymes
RIMA
Affected
CYP enzymes
Strongest effect Medium effect Little effect* Reboxetine appears to be devoid of any
inducing/inhibiting effects on major hepatic metabolizing enzymes
** Cigarette smoking; through the action of
polyaromatic hydrocarbons
RIMA Reversible inhibitor of
monoamine oxidase type A 1A2 2C 2D6 3A4 Amitriptyline Clomipramine Desipramine Fluoxetine Fluvoxamine Nefazodone Reboxetine* Paroxetine Sertraline Venlafaxine Fluphenazine Haloperidol Perphenazine Thioridazine Moclobemide Carbamazepine Phenobarbital Smoking**
Legend
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Chapter 2
Antidepressant drugs
and mood stabilizers
2.1 Major depressive disorder
Depressive state – no treatment
Presynaptic
nerve terminal
Postsynaptic
nerve
IAR Upregulated inhibitory autoreceptors (e.g. a2-adrenergic) Low synaptic NE and/or 5-HT Rec. trkB Soma Nerve terminal Loss of dendrites/ changes in morphology SM CREB NucleusLow synaptic neurotrophic factor (e.g. BDNF) BDNF
BDNF
Feedback inhibition (enhanced)
Loss of dendrites and/or change in morphology
Low concentration
5-HT Serotonin
BDNF Brain-derived neurotrophic factor IAR Inhibitory autoreceptor
NE Norepinephrine Rec. Receptor
SM Second messenger (e.g. cAMP) trkB Receptor for BDNF
CREB Cyclic adenosine monophosphate
(cAMP)-response element-binding protein
BDNF
Present knowledge about the biological mechanism of normal mood has made much progress in recent years, although it is not yet fully understood. Decades ago, it was assumed that decreased norepinephrine or serotonin in the synaptic cleft is the major, and possibly the only, factor involved in inducing major
depressive disorder (MDD). However, recent evidence demonstrates that in mood disorders, and especially in MDD, there is regional reduction in central nervous system (CNS) volume, probably secondary to reductions in number and/or size of glia and neurons (especially in number and morphology of dendrites) in discrete brain areas (e.g. the hippocampus). Although the precise cellular mechanism underlying these morphometric changes remain to be fully elucidated, data suggest a predominant role of altered neuronal plasticity and cellular resilience. The concept of neuroplasticity refers to the capacity of the CNS to adapt itself to changing external stimuli through appropriate signal transduction,
consequent gene expression, and the production of various neurotrophic factors responsible for normal cell connectivity.
Notes about the scheme
MDD, which has traditionally been conceptualized as a ‘pure’ neurochemical disorder, is currently thought to derive from changes in neuronal plasticity and cellular resilience (e.g. alterations in morphology and number of dendritic spines, direction of axonal/dendritic outgrowth, synaptic connectivity, and the capacity of neurons to survive toxic and non-toxic abuses). Hence, various neurochemical modifications (e.g. decreased synaptic concentration of norepinephrine and/or serotonin) and consequent changes in intracellular signal transduction and gene expression are currently conceptualized as merely representing a cascade of events associated with the development of such alterations in neuronal adaptability that may eventually lead to MDD.
Thus, normal regulation of mood is
currently conceived as proper modulation of the adrenergic and/or serotonergic systems via:
● correct functioning of various pre- and
postsynaptic receptors/transporters;
● appropriate secretion of norepinephrine
and/or serotonin from presynaptic neurons;
● intact signal transduction involving
appropriate production/stimulation of intracellular messengers (e.g. cyclic adenosine monophosphate, cAMP) and production of various neurotrophic brain factors, especially cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB),
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2), as well as neurotrophin-3,4,5 (NT-3,4,5), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ciliary
neurotrophic factor (CNTF).
Correct signal transduction culminates in intact neuroplasticity and resilience in specific brain areas and results in maintenance of euthymic mood. Postsynaptic b1-adrenergic and 5-HT4,6,7
serotonergic receptors activate the adenylate cyclase–cAMP cascade, which eventually leads, among other things, to the production of CREB and BDNF. CREB is also modulated by
Ca2-dependent protein kinases stimulated by other postsynaptic receptors such as the a1-adrenergic and the 5-HT2A,2C
serotonergic.
Other mechanisms, as yet less understood, are supposed to be involved in the maintenance of euthymic mood. Among them are proper regulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1Aserotonergic
receptors and concentration of intracellular Bcl-2. It is presumed that most antidepressant drugs that exert their antidepressant activity by antagonizing the postsynaptic 5-HT2A
serotonergic receptors (e.g. mianserin,
mirtazapine, nefazodone, and trazodone; as opposed to the ‘classic’
antidepressants that stimulate
noradrenergic/serotonergic transmission via blockade of the reuptake of these
neurotransmitters to the presynaptic nerve terminals) exert at least some of their therapeutic action by enhancing the 5-HT1A
receptors (5-HT2A,2Creceptors suppress 5-HT1A
receptor functions).
All of the above mentioned reactions are supposed to play a role in maintaining proper neuroplasticity.1–13
2.2 Antidepressant drugs
Schematic classification according to main mode of therapeutic action
Presynaptic nerve terminal
Postsynaptic
nerve
PMT IAR AD AD AD AD Reuptake inhibitors of NE: MAO (e.g. a2-adrenergic receptors) NARI (reboxetine)SNRIs (duloxetine, milnacipran venlafaxine)
TCAs (e.g. amitriptyline,
clomipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, desipramine)
TeCAs (e.g. amoxapine, maprotiline) Inhibitors of MAO Inhibitors of presynaptic IAR Inhibitors of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors RIMA: Moclobemide Mianserin, mirtazapine, trazodone Mianserin, mirtazapine, nefazodone, trazodone MAOIs: Isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine of 5-HT:
SSRIs (e.g. citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, setraline) SNRIs TCAs of both NE and 5-HT: NE/5-HT receptors 5-HT2 receptors SNRIs Others (nefazodone) Inhibition Enhanced secretion Inhibits 5-HT Serotonin
MAO Monamine oxidase MAOI MAO inhibitor
NE Norepinephrine
PMT Plasma membrane transporter RIMA Reversible inhibitor of MAO type A
SNRI Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor SSRI Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
T/TeCA Tri/tetracyclic antidepressant
NARI Seletive noradrenaline (norepinephrine) inhibitor
AD Antidepressant drug IAR Inhibitory autoreceptor