Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
7938832
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Mirtazapine increases dopamine release in prefrontal cortex by 5-HT1A receptor activation
Author(s)
Nakayama, K; Sakurai, T; Katsu, H
Year
2004
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Brain Research Bulletin
ISSN:
0361-9230
EISSN:
1873-2747
Volume
63
Issue
3
Page Numbers
237-241
Language
English
PMID
15145142
DOI
10.1016/j.brainresbull.2004.02.007
Web of Science Id
WOS:000221737200005
Abstract
Mirtazapine has a low affinity for 5-HT(1A) receptors but shows 5-HT(1A)-agonistic-like effects in behavioral pharmacology test. However, there is to date no clear evidence that mirtazapine enhances 5-HT(1A) neurotransmission. The object of the present study was to assess the effects of mirtazapine on dialysate levels of dopamine and 5-HT in the medial frontal cortex of freely moving rats and to determine whether this drug could modulate 5-HT(1A) neurotransmission. In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effects of mirtazapine on extracellular dopamine and 5-HT levels, and the effect of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY100,356 on extracellular dopamine level increased by mirtazapine in the rat prefrontal cortex. Mirtazapine (4-16 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a dose-dependent increase in extracellular dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of freely moving rats without modifying those of 5-HT. In the presence of the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazineyl]ethyl]-N-(pyridinyl)-cyclohexane-carboxamide (WAY100,635; 0.3 mg/kg; i.p.), the influence of mirtazapine on cortical levels of dopamine was markedly attenuated. These results indicate that mirtazapine induces the enhancement of the output of cortical dopamine mediated via blockade of alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors and facilitation of post-synaptic 5-HT(1A) function.
Keywords
5-HT1A agonist; Dopamine; Microdialysis; Mirtazapine; Prefrontal cortex; Serotonin
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity