Effects of maprotiline, nomifensine and Trazodone on gamma amino butyric acid turnover in the limbic system

ABSTRACT

The effects of chronic treatment with 3 antidepressant drugs Maprotilline, Nomifensine and Trazodone on the turnover rate of gamma amino butyric acid were studied in 4 rat brain areas related to the limbic system. Trazodone markedly increased the Gamma amino butyric acid level in the hypothalamus and hippocampus but lowered its level in the amygdala and olfactory tubercle. Nomifesine increased its level in the hypothalamus and hippocampus and markedly decreased it in the olfactory tubercle. Maprotilline on the other hand consistently lowered its level in all 4 areas. These results indicate the involvement of gamma amino butyric acid in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs. Its possible role in modulating other neurotransmltters and production of antidepressant manifestations are discussed