0-10010 Effects of St. John's wort on [2H]5-HT uptake and [3H]paroxetine binding in mouse brain

• Autor: Kazufumi Hirano ; Shizuo Yamada ; Ryohei Kimura ; Yumi Sugimoto ; Jun Yamada
• É parte de: Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 2004, Vol.94 (suppl.1), p.76-76
• Descrição: Extracts of hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort, SJW) are effective in treating mild to moderate depression, and SJW is reported to inhibit the accumulation of monoamines into synaptosomes in vitro and exhibits antidepressant-like activity in the behavioral test. Although SJW has been subjected to extensive scientific studies in the last decade, there are still many questions about the mechanism of action. In the present study, the effects of SJW on [3H]5-HT uptake and specific [3H]paroxetine binding in mouse brain were investigated in comparison with those of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In in vitro experiments, SSRIs inhibited both [3H]5-HT uptake and [3H]paroxetine binding in mouse brain at a nanomolar range, and SJW (lO-7-lO-5 g/ml) inhibited [3H]5-HT uptake with little effect on [3H]paroxetine binding, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of SJW on 5-HT uptake is not due to the interaction with serotonin transporters. Currently, we are investigating the mode of action of SJW under in vivo condition in mice.
  
• Editor: The Japanese Pharmacological Society
  
• Idioma: Japonês