Posted by Ritch on February 13, 2002, at 11:03:39
In reply to Treatment resistant depression « Gray, posted by Dr. Bob on February 13, 2002, at 1:51:38
> > I am interested in discussing dopamine functions
> > further. They seem to be very complex. As I understand
> > it there are basically five dopamine pathways that we
> > know about, two of which are in the limbic area of the
> > brain. Also does anyone know the meaning of the following terms(abbreviations): Ki(nM)
> > 5HT
> > Ki NE/ Ki 5HT
> > Thank you for your input. GRAY
The abbreviations...Ok let's see:
5HT --5,hydroxytryptophan -- (serotonin)
Ki -- Now that one took a little looking about!
But, is this right? (constant of inhibition)
nM -- nanomolar -- a mole is Avogadro's number, and nano is a "millionth"-so the number of molecules in nM would be in millionths of a mole.So....
The lower the Ki(nM) the higher the affinity of the substance to target receptors, enzymes, transporters, etc.So...
A statement like Ki NE/Ki 5-HT would express
the relative ability of antidepressant (i.e.) to block the reuptake transporters associated with NE and 5-HT receptors. A low number would show a definite preference for the NE transorters, while a very high number would show preference for the 5-HT (serotonin) transporters.So...
A medication like desipramine should have a fairly low number, and a medication like citalopram should have a very high number.I think I created some new dopamine connections in my brain just trying to sort it out. That's it! School isn't about making money, it is to keep you from being depressed.:)
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:93956
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020208/msgs/93978.html