Desipramine's Effect on Glucocorticoids in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Brittany L. Mason, Sarah A. Thomas, Stafford L. Lightman, Carmine M. Pariante
Primary Institution: King's College London
Hypothesis
The antidepressant desipramine increases glucocorticoid accumulation in the mouse brain by inhibiting P-glycoprotein.
Conclusion
Chronic treatment with desipramine did not significantly affect glucocorticoid accumulation in the brain of mice.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic treatment with desipramine did not significantly affect the accumulation of [3H]dexamethasone in any brain region.
- Acute desipramine had limited and variable effects on glucocorticoid accumulation in the CNS.
- Accumulation of [3H]dexamethasone was significantly greater in P-gp deficient mice compared to wild-type mice.
Takeaway
Researchers wanted to see if a medicine called desipramine could help more stress hormones get into the brain, but it didn't work as they thought.
Methodology
The study used in situ brain/choroid plexus perfusion to measure glucocorticoid accumulation in mice after desipramine treatment.
Limitations
The study design differences may have affected the results, including varying times of blood sampling and animal sacrifice.
Participant Demographics
Adult FVB-abcb1a/b (+/+) and FVB-abcb1a/b(−/−) mice were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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