Biomaterial Database

Effects of viloxazine, an antidepressant agent, on biogenic amine uptake mechanisms and related activities. 1976

W Lippman, and T A Pugsley

The effects of viloxazine, a clinically effective antidepressant, on noradrenaline (NA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) uptake and various related pharmacological activities were determined and compared to those of the tricyclic antidepressants desimipramine, imipramine, and amitriptyline. Viloxazine inhibitied [3H]NA uptake in the mouse and rat heart, being maximally about one half as potent as imipramine with a similar onset, but shorter duration of action than imipramine. The drug did not inhibit [3H]NA uptake in rat medulla or hypothalamus in contrast to desimipramine and imipramine, but it did alter [3H]NA metabolites in a similar manner. Viloxazine, like desimipramine, was a weak blocker of mouse brain 5-HT uptake, but differed from desimipramine as it poteniated 5-HT-mediated functions in the mouse and rat, as did imipramine and amitriptyline, the latter drugs being relatively potent blockers of 5-HT uptake. Viloxazine potentiated the L-DOPA behavioural syndrome in the mouse, antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis and hypothermia in the mouse, and inhibited gastric acid secretion in the rat, but was less potent than the tricyclic antidepressants. No appreciable in vivo inhibition of monoamine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.4.) activity in the mouse was exhibited. Like imipramine, the drug potentiated the ocular effects of L-adrenaline in the rabbit. It was similar to imipramine in potency in potentiating the apomorphine-induced gnawing in the mouse. The drug antagonized oxotremorine-induced hypothermia in the mouse but differed from the tricyclic antidepressants in not exhibiting the anticholinergic effects of blocking the tremors, salivation and lacrimation. Thus, viloxazine exhibits activities related to the biogenic amines both similar to and different from the tricyclics desimipramine, imipramine, and amitriptyline. These actions appear to be of relevance with respect to the antidepressant action of this drug.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007099	Imipramine	The prototypical tricyclic antidepressant. It has been used in major depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, attention-deficit disorders, agoraphobia, and panic disorders. It has less sedative effect than some other members of this therapeutic group.	Imidobenzyle,Imizin,4,4'-Methylenebis(3-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid)-3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo(b,f)azepin-5-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanamine (1:2),Imipramine Hydrochloride,Imipramine Monohydrochloride,Imipramine Pamoate,Janimine,Melipramine,Norchlorimipramine,Pryleugan,Tofranil
D007980	Levodopa	The naturally occurring form of DIHYDROXYPHENYLALANINE and the immediate precursor of DOPAMINE. Unlike dopamine itself, it can be taken orally and crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is rapidly taken up by dopaminergic neurons and converted to DOPAMINE. It is used for the treatment of PARKINSONIAN DISORDERS and is usually given with agents that inhibit its conversion to dopamine outside of the central nervous system.	L-Dopa,3-Hydroxy-L-tyrosine,Dopaflex,Dopar,L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine,Larodopa,Levopa,3 Hydroxy L tyrosine,L 3,4 Dihydroxyphenylalanine,L Dopa
D009025	Morpholines		Tetrahydro-1,4-Oxazines,Tetrahydro 1,4 Oxazines
D009206	Myocardium	The muscle tissue of the HEART. It is composed of striated, involuntary muscle cells (MYOCYTES, CARDIAC) connected to form the contractile pump to generate blood flow.	Muscle, Cardiac,Muscle, Heart,Cardiac Muscle,Myocardia,Cardiac Muscles,Heart Muscle,Heart Muscles,Muscles, Cardiac,Muscles, Heart
D009638	Norepinephrine	Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the ADRENAL MEDULLA and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and of the diffuse projection system in the brain that arises from the LOCUS CERULEUS. It is also found in plants and is used pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic.	Levarterenol,Levonorepinephrine,Noradrenaline,Arterenol,Levonor,Levophed,Levophed Bitartrate,Noradrenaline Bitartrate,Noradrénaline tartrate renaudin,Norepinephrin d-Tartrate (1:1),Norepinephrine Bitartrate,Norepinephrine Hydrochloride,Norepinephrine Hydrochloride, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine Hydrochloride, (+,-)-Isomer,Norepinephrine d-Tartrate (1:1),Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1),Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1), (+,-)-Isomer,Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1), Monohydrate,Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1), Monohydrate, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:2),Norepinephrine l-Tartrate, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine, (+,-)-Isomer
D010095	Oxotremorine	A non-hydrolyzed muscarinic agonist used as a research tool.	Oxytremorine
D011680	Pupil	The aperture in the iris through which light passes.	Pupils
D012018	Reflex	An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D012110	Reserpine	An alkaloid found in the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina and R. vomitoria. Reserpine inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine into storage vesicles resulting in depletion of catecholamines and serotonin from central and peripheral axon terminals. It has been used as an antihypertensive and an antipsychotic as well as a research tool, but its adverse effects limit its clinical use.	Raunervil,Raupasil,Rausedil,Rausedyl,Serpasil,Serpivite,V-Serp,V Serp
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