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A review of the preclinical and clinical evidence for protein kinase C as a target for drug development for bipolar disorder

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Abstract

In this article, we review preclinical studies investigating the role of protein kinase C (PKC) as it pertains to mania and effective antimanic agents. We then discuss clinical studies conducted with tamoxifen, a relatively selective PKC inhibitor, in acute bipolar mania. We conclude that PKC is an important target—arguably the first mechanistically distinct drug target for bipolar disorder. PKC holds considerable promise as a novel target for developing a new line of treatments for bipolar disorder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA

    Carlos A. Zarate Jr

  2. Department of Health and Human Services, 10 Center Drive, CRC, Unit 7 Southeast, Room 7-3445, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA

    Carlos A. Zarate Jr

Authors
  1. Nancy DiazGranados
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  2. Carlos A. Zarate Jr
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Correspondence to Carlos A. Zarate Jr.

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DiazGranados, N., Zarate, C.A. A review of the preclinical and clinical evidence for protein kinase C as a target for drug development for bipolar disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep 10, 510–519 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-008-0081-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-008-0081-7

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