Desipramine for Improving Cellular Signaling and Decreasing Symptoms of Major Depression
Summary
This study will determine the effectiveness of desipramine in improving cellular signaling, and thereby decreasing symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Description
MDD is a serious mental illness that can interfere with a person’s ability to eat, sleep, work, and enjoy activities that were once pleasurable. It is characterized by several symptoms, including as the following: persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness. The receptor-G protein-adenylate cyclase enzyme complex (AC enzyme complex) is a major cell signaling system in the brain, blood, and other tissues in the body. Changes in this signaling system among blood cells have been observed in people with major depressive disorder. Research has shown that treatment with the benzodiazepine alprazolam corrects the signaling problem, and thereby improves symptoms of MDD. This study will determine whether impairments in the AC enzyme complex exist among depressed individuals. This study will also evaluate the effectiveness of desipramine, an antidepressant, in improving blood cell signaling, and thereby decreasing symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder.
Both healthy and depressed participants will be recruited for this study. All depressed participants in this study will first be assessed for depression severity using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. If eligible for the study, participants will be examined to determine AC enzyme complex functioning in both platelets and mononuclear leukocytes. A cohort of the depressed participants will be treated with desipramine. They will be examined to determine the drug’s effect on AC enzyme complex functioning, as well as its effect on MDD symptoms, at Weeks 1, 4, and 6.
Study Design
Allocation: Non-Randomized, Control: Uncontrolled, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Conditions
Depression
Intervention
Desipramine
Location
Massachusetts Mental Health Center
Boston
Massachusetts
United States
02115
Status
Completed
Source
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00320632
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2010
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Desipramine
A tricyclic dibenzazepine compound that potentiates neurotransmission. Desipramine selectively blocks reuptake of norepinephrine from the neural synapse, and also appears to impair serotonin transport. This compound also possesses minor anticholinergic activity, through its affinity to muscarinic receptors.
Decompression
Decompression external to the body, most often the slow lessening of external pressure on the whole body (especially in caisson workers, deep sea divers, and persons who ascend to great heights) to prevent DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS. It includes also sudden accidental decompression, but not surgical (local) decompression or decompression applied through body openings.
Depression, Postpartum
Depression in POSTPARTUM WOMEN, usually within four weeks after giving birth (PARTURITION). The degree of depression ranges from mild transient depression to neurotic or psychotic depressive disorders. (From DSM-IV, p386)
Depression
Depressive states usually of moderate intensity in contrast with major depression present in neurotic and psychotic disorders.
Lofepramine
A psychotropic IMIPRAMINE derivative that acts as a tricyclic antidepressant and possesses few anticholinergic properties. It is metabolized to DESIPRAMINE.
Clinical Trials
Biological Aspects of Depression and Antidepressant Drugs
This study will be measuring changes in depressive symptoms over a 7 week time period. Double-blind placebo controlled trial using the pharmacologic agents Paroxetine or Desipramine.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of multiple doses of DVS SR and duloxetine on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of desipramine in healthy subjects.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of multiple doses of DVS SR and paroxetine on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of desipramine in healthy subjects.
To Demonstrate the Relative Bioavailability of Desipramine Hydrochloride 50 mg Tablets
To demonstrate the relative bioavailability of Desipramine Hydrochloride 50 mg tablets.
To evaluate the potential pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction of multiple oral doses of HCV-796 and a single dose of desipramine when coadministered to healthy subjects.
PubMed Articles
A unique synergistic effect on platinum drug cytotoxicity is noted in the presence of the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine. Desipramine is used for treating neuropathic pain, particularly in prost...
The present study has been designed to explore the nitric oxide mechanism in the protective effect of desipramine, venlafaxine and trazodone against I/R induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysf...
hERG K(+) channel-associated cardiac effects of the antidepressant drug desipramine.
Cardiac side effects of antidepressant drugs are well recognized. Adverse effects precipitated by the tricyclic drug desipramine include prolonged QT intervals, torsade de pointes tachycardia, heart f...
RATIONALE: The pharmacological actions of most antidepressants are ascribed to the modulation of serotonergic and/or noradrenergic transmission in the brain. During therapeutic treatment for major dep...
The cholinergic theory of depression highlights the involvement of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the neurobiology of mood disorders. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of...
