Phenelzine treatment increases transcription factor AP-2 levels in rat brain

摘要

BackgroundThe elevations of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) levels in response to acute serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) exposure are not consistent with the time course for the therapeutic action of these antidepressants. Thus, neuronal adaptations are needed for the therapeutic effect to arise. Transcription factor Activating Protein –2 (AP-2) is critical for mammalian neural gene expression. Several genes involved in brainstem CNS transmitter systems, especially the monoamines, have AP-2 binding sites in their regulatory regions. We have previously shown that treatment with citalopram and imipramin resulted in a decrease in AP-2α and AP-2β levels in rat brain. We have also reported an association between a specific genotype of AP-2β to personality traits, binge-eating disorder and platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity.