Anatomic and molecular principles of psychopharmacology - A primer for psychiatrists

Citation
S. Heckers et C. Konradi, Anatomic and molecular principles of psychopharmacology - A primer for psychiatrists, CH ADOLESC, 9(1), 2000, pp. 1
Citations number
42
Categorie Soggetti
Psychiatry
Journal title
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
ISSN journal
10564993 → ACNP
Volume
9
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Database
ISI
SICI code
1056-4993(200001)9:1<1:AAMPOP>2.0.ZU;2-#
Abstract
Modulation of neuronal activity by neurotransmitters is a fundamental mecha nism of brain function. Perturbations of neurotransmission in disease state s can be targeted therapeutically through the administration of psychotropi c drugs. This article reviews three mechanisms that explain the therapeutic and adverse effects of psychotropic agents. First, the location and projec tion of neurons determines their behavioral affiliation. Second, neurotrans mitter receptors lead to changes in the electrical properties (i.e., membra ne potential) or the biochemical properties (i.e., protein function) of neu rons. Third, intracellular signaling pathways lead to immediate or delayed, longer-term effects on neuronal function. These three principles and their clinical implications are reviewed for the glutamatergic, GABAergic, choli nergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems.