Effect of psychotropic drugs on excitatory amino acids in patients undergoing psychosurgery for depression

Br J Psychiatry. 1992 May:160:638-42. doi: 10.1192/bjp.160.5.638.

Abstract

Samples of ventricular CSF were taken from 52 consecutive patients admitted for psychosurgery for intractable depression. Concentrations of asparagine, aspartate, glutamine, glutamic acid, and serine were determined. Glutamate and aspartate concentrations, implicated in excitotoxic brain damage, were not affected by various types of psychotropic drug treatment. Serine, a modulator of glutamate responses, was significantly elevated in samples from subjects receiving antidepressants. These subjects responded poorly to the operation. Psychotropic drugs are unlikely to be neurotoxic. Nevertheless, antidepressants may influence excitatory neurotransmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amino Acids / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Bipolar Disorder / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder / surgery*
  • Caudate Nucleus / physiopathology
  • Caudate Nucleus / surgery*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / surgery*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Psychosurgery*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / drug effects*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate