Effects of the antidepressant phenelzine on brain levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

J Affect Disord. 1991 Mar;21(3):207-11. doi: 10.1016/0165-0327(91)90041-p.

Abstract

Time- and dose-response studies were carried out on the effects of the monoamine oxidase-inhibiting antidepressant and antipanic drug phenelzine on GABA levels in rat whole brain. At a dose of 15 mg/kg i.p., phenelzine significantly elevated GABA levels at all time intervals studied (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h). A further investigation indicated that this was a dose-dependent effect. The possible importance of GABA in the etiology and pharmacotherapy of depression and panic disorder is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Monoamine Oxidase / metabolism
  • Phenelzine / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, GABA-A / drug effects*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Monoamine Oxidase
  • Phenelzine