Posted by Cam W. on April 25, 2000, at 6:41:00
In reply to Beta Receptor Down-Regulation, posted by PeterJ on April 25, 2000, at 3:44:51
Peter - Nice expalanation. Downregulaton of beta receptors may be a step in normalizing CRH release by hypothalamic cells by decreasing CRH's gene expression. But then again, all antidepressants, except citalopram, modify glucocorticoid receptor responsivity to cortisol (or corticosterone in animal models). Celexa (citalopram) modifies mineralocorticoid receptor responsivity to cortisol. Anyway, all seem to "re-couple" the HPA axis, the body's main stress response system and resolve the symptoms of depression.I believe that the area of breakdown of the HPA axis (or closely linked systems - eg endorphin system) determines which antidepressant will "resplice" the appropriate dysconnection of the HPA axis (eg desipramine or reboxetine for norepinephrine dysfunction; clomipramine or SSRIs for serotonin dysfunction. - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:30864
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000420/msgs/31216.html