POTENTIATION BY DESIPRAMINE OF NEURONAL RESPONSES TO MESCALINE
British Journal of Pharmacology – May 01, 1976
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Desipramine significantly influences cortical neuron responses to mescaline, showing both potentiation and antagonism. In a sample of 30 neurons, desipramine's antagonistic effects may stem from its α-adrenolytic properties, while potentiation likely results from post-synaptic actions rather than uptake blocking, as desipramine does not inhibit mescaline uptake in the cerebral cortex. These findings highlight the complex interplay between pharmacology and ion channel regulation, contributing valuable insights into neuroscience and neuropharmacology, especially regarding anesthetic and sedative agents.
Abstract
The effect of desipramine on responses of single cortical neurones to mescaline was studied by the microelectrophoretic technique. Both potentiation and antagonism of responses to mescaline by desipramine were observed. The antagonism may be related to the α‐adrenolytic action of desipramine. The potentiation is unlikely to reflect the uptake blocking action of desipramine, since desipramine does not block the uptake of mescaline in the cerebral cortex. It is suggested that the potentiation may be due to a post‐synaptic action of desipramine.