The Mechanism of Antidepressants Action on Cellular Membranes

Overview

The mechanisms of antidepressants action that are linked to their therapeutic effects are not sufficiently explained. According to the membrane hypothesis of affective disorders, disturbances in lipid-protein interactions can be predisposing factor in depression and changes in lipid-protein interactions induced by antidepressive drugs can be crucial step in molecular mechanism of their action. The hypothesis is based on well known fact that lipidprotein interactions affect functionality of most membrane integral proteins, including enzymes, receptors, transporters and ion channels ensuring signal transduction. An isolated synapses, blood elements, cell cultures, isolated plasma membranes and artificial phospholipid membranes can be used as proper models.

Key words:
membranes, neurotransmitters, transporters, antidepressants, synaptosomes.