Posted by linkadge on June 7, 2010, at 16:51:01 [reposted on June 11, 2010, at 14:14:48 | original URL]
In reply to 5-ht7 action (Amisulpride), posted by mommyron on June 7, 2010, at 12:26:24
There are many different subtypes of serotonin receptors. SSRI's inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and hence enhance the activity of serotonin at all serotonin receptors.
Researchers find that agonism (i.e. activation) of certain serotonin receptors improves mood, while activation of others appears to worsen mood.
The 5-ht7 receptor is one subtype of serotonin receptor for which antagonism appears to be beneificial for mood. That is, drugs which inihibit or block the binding of serotonin to the 5-ht7 receptor appear to have antidepressnt effects. 5-ht7 antagonists are themselves not SSRIs.
Although the effect is not fully clarified, it appears that the 5-ht7 receptors enahance the release of serotonin in certain brain regions. The effect is synergistic with serotonin reuptake inhibition. These receptors also appear to decrease elevated REM sleep seen in depression. 5-ht7 antaognists may also have antipsychotic effects.
Some of the older antidepressants (TCA's) are 5-ht7 antagonists as well as monoamine reuptake inhibitors. Newer, atypical antipsychotics like aripiprazole are also 5-ht7 antagonists.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:950721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20100607/msgs/950725.html