Role of central serotonin and noradrenaline interactions in the antidepressants' action: Electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence

Abstract

The development of antidepressant drugs, in the last 6 decades, has been associated with theories based on a deficiency of serotonin (5-HT) and/or noradrenaline (NA) systems. Although the pathophysiology of major depression (MD) is not fully understood, numerous investigations have suggested that treatments with various classes of antidepressant drugs may lead to an enhanced 5-HT and/or adapted NA neurotransmissions. In this review, particular morpho-physiological aspects of these systems are first considered. Second, principal features of central 5-HT/NA interactions are examined. In this regard, the effects of the acute and sustained antidepressant administrations on these systems are discussed. Finally, future directions including novel therapeutic strategies are proposed.

Keywords: 5-HT receptors; Adrenoceptors; Anxiety; Depression; Locus coeruleus; Noradrenaline; Raphe nuclei; Serotonin.