NORADRENALINE IN BASIC MODELS OF DEPRESSION

This review reports anatomical studies evaluating central and peripher al alpha(2)- and beta-adrenoceptors. The results suggest abnormalities exist in the noradrenergic system in depressed patients. Most animal models involve the use of stress to simulate depression in man. All mo dels that have been developed lead to differential changes in noradren ergic function. We have assessed the effects of reboxetine, a novel, s elective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor (NARI) in olfactory bulbecto mised rats, a procedure that induces significant changes in amygdala f unction. Reboxetine is an effective antidepressant in the forced swim test and open field test in bulbectomised rats. Unlike the tricyclic a ntidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSR Is), reboxetine is ineffective in the 8-OH-DPAT hypothermia test, indi cating that reboxetine is selective for the noradrenergic system. Owin g to the abnormalities that occur in depression,it would seem sensible to target the noradrenergic system for treatment of this condition. ( C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.