Posted by zeugma on April 20, 2006, at 10:57:59
In reply to Re: Drugs versus Psychotherapy - Backlash? » zeugma, posted by SLS on April 20, 2006, at 10:20:16
So, then, what's the deal?
Is the reduction in the numbers of NET reported in the previous study you cited the result of inadequate gene expression, or is it the result of a compensatory mechanism?>>
Definitely not inadequate NET gene expression, but compensation for inadequate gene expression downstream:
Daily treatment of rats with DMI (10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 or 14 days significantly increased postmortem cerebral TH mRNA in the locus coeruleus (LC) area by 47-68%. Again, TH protein concentrations in LC decreased at 3 and 14 days, by 25-40%, with transient significant reduction in amygdala tissue after 3 days of treatment that were not sustained. These findings indicate that DMI exerts complex, typically opposite and perhaps compensatory, gradually evolving effects on the expression of TH protein (decreases) and its message (increases), possibly in response to increased synaptic availability of NE.
it is possible that the reduction of NET in the other studies is an attempt to upregulate inadequate gene expression (of tyrosine hydroxylase), and that the inhibitor facilitates this process. I think that antidepressants, when they work, probably build on the brain's own compensatory mechanisms.then again, I am just speculating. What do you think?
-z
poster:zeugma
thread:629584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060417/msgs/635241.html