Summary
The pseudo-transmitter concept is discussed with particular reference to the antihypertensive action of α-methyldopa. It is pointed out that a pseudo-transmitter mechanism in the peripheral sympathetic system cannot account for the antihypertensive action of α-methyldopa. Probably the site of action of this drug has to be sought in the central nervous system. Here the drug may well act by a pseudo-transmitter mechanism °.
The pseudo-transmitters and their precursors have proven important tools for clarifying the various processes of uptake, storage and release in the monoamine carrying neurons. By means of these tools it has, for example, been possible to demonstrate two distinct uptake mechanisms in these neurons, one located at the cell membranes and sensitive to imipraminelike antidepressant drugs, the other located in the amine storage granules and sensitive to reserpine.
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Carlsson, A. (1969). Pseudo-Transmitters. In: Kappers, J.A. (eds) Neurohormones and Neurohumors. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-25519-3_11
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