Some effects of mianserin on monoamine metabolism in the rat brain

1 Mianserin does not affect the uptake of biogenic amines into rat brain, in contrast to tricyclic antidepressants which block amine uptake. 2 Mianserin increases the turnover of noradrenaline (NA) in rat brain after acute or chronic administration, whereas tricyclic antidepressants reduce turnover of NA and 5-hydroxytryptamine. 3 It should not be assumed that a compound must inhibit amine re-uptake mechanisms before it can be considered as a potential antidepressant.