[Effects of mianserin on functions of ascending and descending monoaminergic systems, using experimental models...

Studies were carried out to evaluate the antidepressant action of Mianserin as related to noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. The actions of known tricyclic anti-depressants were comparatively investigated together with Mianserin (Organon). Self-stimulation behavior induced by stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus and substantia nigra was unaffected by Mianserin and imipramine, was suppressed with chlorpromazine and markedly enhanced by methamphetamine. The enhancement due to methamphetamine was suppressed by both Mianserin and chlorpromazine, and was potentiated by imipramine. Mianserin, imipramine and amitriptyline enhanced the rolling movements induced by methamphetamine in rats in which the nigro-striatal dopaminergic system was destroyed by the injection of 6-hydroxydopamine. The excitation induced by ldopa administration, of isocarboxazid treated mouse was enhanced by Mianserin in doses over 25 mg/kg and by imipramine or amitriptyline. The excitation of MK-486 treated mouse, induced by L-5HTP was suppressed by Mianserin, nortriptyline augmented the excitation. The head twitches induced by 5HTP were reduced to 1/10 in onset frequency by Mianserin, 1 mg/kg, p.o. The suppressive potency of amitriptyline in this model was less than 1/5 of that of Mianserin. The potentiation of the flexor reflex of hind limbs of the spinal rat induced by the pretreatment with isocarboxazid and l-dopa, 20 hours after the reserpinization, was markedly suppressed by Mianserin and amitriptyline, but unaffected by imipramine nor chlorimipramine. The potentiation of the extensor reflex of hind limbs of the spinal rat, induced 20 hours after the reserpinization by pretreatment with isocarboxazid and 5-HTP was suppressed by Mianserin, even in a low dose of 0.5 mg/kg, and by amitriptyline in a dose of 10 mg/kg. As far as monoaminergic mechanisms are concerned, the mode of antidepresant action of Mianserin is probably different from that of tricyclic antidepressants.