[Clinical psychopharmacology: the example of clozapine (Leponex)]. 1995

J J Péré
Laboratoires Sandoz, Recherche Clinique, Neuro-psychiatrie, Rueil-Malmaison.

Ever since clozapine was discovered, researchers have been attempted to answer the question of what makes it different and how to relate its many pharmacological actions to its clinical features. Its clinical profile conflicts with the hypothesis that antipsychotic effect is due entirely to D2 dopamine receptor blockade. Clozapine is known to interact with many neurotransmitters systems. To date, four main hypothesis have been proposed in an attempt to explain some or all for clozapine's atypical properties: selective blockade of mesolimbic dopamine function; D1, D2, D3 and D4 receptor blockade; 5-HT2 and D2 receptor blockade; Potent alpha 1 adrenergic blockade. These hypothesis are reviewed in relation to the clozapine clinical profile. No hypothesis fully accounts for clozapine's spectrum of neurotransmitter interactions. Such a multiplicity of action would preclude a unified mechanism.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009435 Synaptic Transmission The communication from a NEURON to a target (neuron, muscle, or secretory cell) across a SYNAPSE. In chemical synaptic transmission, the presynaptic neuron releases a NEUROTRANSMITTER that diffuses across the synaptic cleft and binds to specific synaptic receptors, activating them. The activated receptors modulate specific ion channels and/or second-messenger systems in the postsynaptic cell. In electrical synaptic transmission, electrical signals are communicated as an ionic current flow across ELECTRICAL SYNAPSES. Neural Transmission,Neurotransmission,Transmission, Neural,Transmission, Synaptic
D011942 Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha One of the two major pharmacological subdivisions of adrenergic receptors that were originally defined by the relative potencies of various adrenergic compounds. The alpha receptors were initially described as excitatory receptors that post-junctionally stimulate SMOOTH MUSCLE contraction. However, further analysis has revealed a more complex picture involving several alpha receptor subtypes and their involvement in feedback regulation. Adrenergic alpha-Receptor,Adrenergic alpha-Receptors,Receptors, alpha-Adrenergic,alpha-Adrenergic Receptor,alpha-Adrenergic Receptors,Receptor, Adrenergic, alpha,Adrenergic alpha Receptor,Adrenergic alpha Receptors,Receptor, alpha-Adrenergic,Receptors, alpha Adrenergic,alpha Adrenergic Receptor,alpha Adrenergic Receptors,alpha-Receptor, Adrenergic,alpha-Receptors, Adrenergic
D011954 Receptors, Dopamine Cell-surface proteins that bind dopamine with high affinity and trigger intracellular changes influencing the behavior of cells. Dopamine Receptors,Dopamine Receptor,Receptor, Dopamine
D011985 Receptors, Serotonin Cell-surface proteins that bind SEROTONIN and trigger intracellular changes which influence the behavior of cells. Several types of serotonin receptors have been recognized which differ in their pharmacology, molecular biology, and mode of action. 5-HT Receptor,5-HT Receptors,5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor,5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors,Receptors, Tryptamine,Serotonin Receptor,Serotonin Receptors,Tryptamine Receptor,Tryptamine Receptors,Receptors, 5-HT,Receptors, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,5 HT Receptor,5 HT Receptors,5 Hydroxytryptamine Receptor,5 Hydroxytryptamine Receptors,Receptor, 5-HT,Receptor, 5-Hydroxytryptamine,Receptor, Serotonin,Receptor, Tryptamine,Receptors, 5 HT,Receptors, 5 Hydroxytryptamine
D001921 Brain The part of CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that is contained within the skull (CRANIUM). Arising from the NEURAL TUBE, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including PROSENCEPHALON (the forebrain); MESENCEPHALON (the midbrain); and RHOMBENCEPHALON (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of CEREBRUM; CEREBELLUM; and other structures in the BRAIN STEM. Encephalon
D003024 Clozapine A tricylic dibenzodiazepine, classified as an atypical antipsychotic agent. It binds several types of central nervous system receptors, and displays a unique pharmacological profile. Clozapine is a serotonin antagonist, with strong binding to 5-HT 2A/2C receptor subtype. It also displays strong affinity to several dopaminergic receptors, but shows only weak antagonism at the dopamine D2 receptor, a receptor commonly thought to modulate neuroleptic activity. Agranulocytosis is a major adverse effect associated with administration of this agent. Clozaril,Leponex
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012559 Schizophrenia A severe emotional disorder of psychotic depth characteristically marked by a retreat from reality with delusion formation, HALLUCINATIONS, emotional disharmony, and regressive behavior. Dementia Praecox,Schizophrenic Disorders,Disorder, Schizophrenic,Disorders, Schizophrenic,Schizophrenias,Schizophrenic Disorder
D012565 Schizophrenic Psychology Study of mental processes and behavior of schizophrenics. Psychology, Schizophrenic

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