Abstract
The compounds 4-chloro-N-methylamphetamine (CMA) and 4-chloro-amphetamine (4-CA) are probably depletors of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). This has been demonstrated as plausible in human subjects also. In rat brains, the 5-HT depleting potency of 4-CA exceeds that of CMA. In depressive patients, moreover, CMA behaves as an antidepressant. In view of these findings the following two hypotheses were tested.
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1.
If there is any correlation between the 5-HT depleting potency of CMA and 4-CA on the one hand, and their antidepressant potency on the other, then the therapeutic potency of 4-CA must be expected to exceed that of CMA.
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2.
In view of the hypothesis of Carlsson et al. (1969) that the motor activating effect of antidepressants is of largely noradrenergic determination, and their mood-improving effect largely serotonergic, the effect of CMA and 4-CA on motility can be expected to be small, and their effect on mood therefore more or less selective.
We found no unequivocal confirmation of these hypothesis. The possible causes of this failure are discussed, and avenues of further investigation are outlined.
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This study was supported by grants from the Netherlands Organization for Pure Research (Z.W.O.).
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van Praag, H.M., Schut, T., Bosma, E. et al. A comparative study of the therapeutic effects of some 4-chlorinated amphetamine derivatives in depressive patients. Psychopharmacologia 20, 66–76 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404060
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00404060