Posted by SLS on April 4, 2001, at 14:11:41
In reply to Re: Rolipram, posted by SalArmy4me on April 3, 2001, at 2:07:46
Hi guys.
ROLIPRAM:I think SalArmy4Me was confusing rolipram with ropinerole.
Rolipram as a compound has been around for a long time - 1970s. Right now, the only countries I know of that sells it is Japan and Germany.
I have been very interested to try this drug since the mid 80s.
It seems to me that rolipram might be a useful tool to augment (help) other antidepressants or mood-stabilizing drugs.
Rolipram is a cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It is sort of like a MAOI for the postsynaptic neuron rather than the presynaptic neuron. Another words, it targets the receiving neuron rather than the sending neuron. Rolipram prevents the break-down of cAMP, which is a molecule important in translating the message. More cAMP = more message. cAMP is known as a secondary messenger. Caffeine works using a similar mechanism.
I read a short paper by Dennis L. Murphy and William Z. Potter, two researchers at the NIMH (Potter now works for Lilly) who postulated that the actions of rolipram include the promotion of an increase in the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosine hydroxylase. This is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Their review of available studies at that time lead them to conclude that rolipram was not as effective as standard antidepressants when used as monotherapy. This is consistent with my own research on this drug.
*** In re: previous threads regarding new treatments needed, the current state of research, and jokes.
If anyone is in doubt as to the attention given to searching for novel approaches to address treatment-resistant mood disorders, the paper I referred to can be found at:
http://www.acnp.org/G4/GN401000109/CH107.html
It ain't the only one. These guys are working hard for us, I assure you. This is not a joke.
Other potential uses of rolipram include the treatments of HIV and multiple sclerosis.
From what I understand, Schering-Plough, the holder of the patent on rolipram, is not interested to pursue its development for the U.S. market.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:58503
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010403/msgs/58673.html