5-HT: on the psychiatrist's couch

Article Abstract:

A symposium on the role of 5-HT in psychiatric disorders has succeeded in explaining the therapeutic function of 5-HT release in anxiety disorders, thus opening the field for pharmacologists to find new drugs for the 5-HT system. Existing anti-depressant drugs have a delayed action, possibly due to drug adaptation. 5-HT imbalance causes certain psychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive neurosis and depression. Carbohydrates increase the production of 5-HT, suggesting that food may act as an anti-depressant. The various studies presented at the symposium illustrate the need for controlling the release of 5-HT for effective treatment of anxiety disorders.

author: Briley, Mike, Grahame-Smith, David
Drug therapy, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Dosage and administration, Antidepressants, Anxiety, Function tests (Medicine), Aldosterone assay

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NO problems down-under

Article Abstract:

Nitrous oxide (NO) is a known vasodilator and is also identified as a neurotransmitter for nitrergic nerves. NO synthesis requires the interaction between tetrahydrobiopterin and NADPH. Its effects in the nervous system involve the transmission of impulses in the nitrergic nerves affecting the gastrointestinal system. It also acts as a a catalyst in effecting NMDA-mediated transmission in the central nervous system by acting as an extracellular or extraneuronal messenger molecule.

author: Reid, Julianne J., Beart, Philip M., Marley, Philip D.
Nitrous oxide

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Development of 5-HT analogues for bladder disorders should focus on the 5-HT4 receptor

Article Abstract:

Recent studies have provided evidence of the potentials of serotonin (5-HT) as a pharmacological treatment for urinary bladder dysfunction. The experimental results obtained from urinary bladder of human subjects showed that 5-HT and its analogues exert their action by potentiating bladder contraction which increases bladder voiding efficiency. The potentiating effect of 5-HT was mediated by the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

author: Ferguson, D., Christopher, N.
Care and treatment, Bladder, Bladder diseases

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subjects list: Physiological aspects, Neurotransmitters, Serotonin
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