Serotonin Metabolism in Depression: Clinical Application of the Probenecid Test1

Abstract

The MA hypotheses presume a relationship between disturbances in the central MA metabolism and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. One part of the MA hypotheses is the serotonin hypothesis, in which a relation is presumed between central serotonin deficiency and depression. The arguments in favour of this hypothesis are discussed, and particular attention is paid to data collected with the probenecid technique. The conclusion is, that there are depressions with and without serotonin deficiency and that their differentiation is of importance for proper treatment.

The effects of serotonin and/or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors on impulsive-like action assessed by the three-choice serial reaction time task: a simple and valid model of impulsive action using rats

“…The evidence that serotonin is profoundly involved in impulse control has been accumulating for a long time (van Praag and Korf, 1974;Robinson et al, 2008b). In the present study, we examined the effects of fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on impulsive-like action as assessed by the 3-CSRTT.…”

Biological Quantitative Methods in the Evaluation of Psychiatric Treatment: Some Biochemical Criteria

“…Some depressed pa tients seem to have a central deficiency of serotonin. In these patients, several studies showed a decreased baseline concentration of 5-HIAA [12] and a decreased 5-HIAA accu mulation after probenecid administration [13]. Probenecid inhibits transport of 5-HIAA from the central nervous system to the bloodstream.…”

Biochemistry of Mental Depression

“…Van Praag (l05) also conceives ofbimodality in the chemistry of depression, perhaps characterized by whether there is a central deficiency of 5HT or not (108). In therapeutic trials with clomipramine he found eight patients who did not respond.…”