Catecholaminergic and serotoninergic systems in depression
Puzhin'skiĭ, S.; Bidzin'skiĭ, A.; Gauptmann, M.; Rode, A.; Zaluska, M.
Vestnik Akademii Meditsinskikh Nauk SSSR 1982(1): 66-68
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-3027 PMID: 7064535 Document Number: 185373
Clinical and laboratory studies into the dynamics and direction of changes in indicators of the functions of catecholaminergic and serotoninergic peripheral systems in endogenous depression are summarized. Patients (32) with depression were examined prior to, during and after treatment (in remission), as were their relatives, including those with affective disturbances. The magnitude and direction of alterations in the different systems were different and depended, in some cases, on hereditary aggravation by affective disorders. Men had reduced activities of dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems, whereas the serotoninergic system was altered differently in different subjects. In women, the activity of noradrenergic system was not altered significantly, whereas the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems were characterized by enhanced activity. During depression and occasionally after the onset of a remission, enhanced urinary excretion of tryptamine was noted in both male and female patients. These changes are discussed in light of the pathogenesis of depression and of the mechanisms of action of antidepressants.