α2-ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS: COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY OF NEURAL AND NON-NEURAL RECEPTORS, AND IN VITRO ANALYSIS IN PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

摘要: ABSTRACT Brain and peripheral α2-adrenergic receptors are functionally down-regulated in rats after chronic antidepressant treatment. We have explored the possibility that a biochemical correlate of depression may be central α2-receptor supersenssitivity, expressed either as an increase receptor number or efficiency coupling to adenylate cyclase. Through examination properties agonist antagonist radioligand binding, allosteric effects guanine nucleotides on binding properties, we compared pharmacological regulatory α2-receptors rat neural human platelet membranes, with view validating use clinically useful model function. In preliminary clinical studies, total density, assessed by 3H-yohimbine was not changed samples from unmedicated depressed, manic schizophrenic patients controls. Samples schizoaffective however showed number. one patient, improvement prior medication temporally correlated decrease elevated normal levels. The studies analyze pathologic changes function greater depth is discussed.