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Decreased beta-adrenergic receptors in rat brain after chronic administration of the selective serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine

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Abstract

Fluoxetine, a novel antidepressant compound that potently and selectively inhibits serotonin uptake, was chronically administered to laboratory rats. Using in vitro receptor autoradiographic techniques, we found that the binding of [3H]-dihydroalprenolol ([3H]-DHA) decreased significantly in frontal cortex layers. Analysis of saturation experiments indicated that the reduction was due to a change in number but not affinity of [3H-DHA binding sites. The data support the hypothesis that the mechanism of action of most antidepressant compounds involves a change in beta-adrenergic receptor function.

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Byerley, W.F., McConnell, E.J., McCabe, R.T. et al. Decreased beta-adrenergic receptors in rat brain after chronic administration of the selective serotonin uptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Psychopharmacology 94, 141–143 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00735896

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00735896

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