State dependence of noradrenergic activity in a rapidly cycling bipolar patient.

Abstract

Plasma levels of the major norepinephrine (NE) metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), were measured in a rapidly cycling bipolar patient and her first-degree relatives. The mood state dependence and the reciprocal relationship between noradrenergic and cholinergic activity were investigated by assessing mood, thought disorder, and plasma MHPG following the infusion of physostigmine. A correlation was found between plasma MHPG and mood states, with exceedingly high levels during mania and hypomania. Levels were significantly decreased by ECT or combined lithium and chlorpromazine administration. A pathologic diurnal MHPG pattern was detected during periods of abnormal mood changes. Infusion of physostigmine led to a prompt reduction in MHPG release and a marked decline in mood-state measurements and the overall level of thought disorder. Muscarinic receptors exerting negative feedback control over the synthesis and/or release of NE may have become supersensitive as a consequence of alpha 2-adrenoceptor densensitization.

• Authors: D Ostrow, A Halaris, M Dysken, E DeMet, M Harrow, J Davis
• Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 45 Issue 7 Pg. 306-9 (Jul 1984) ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6539774 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Glycols
• Receptors, Adrenergic
• Receptors, Muscarinic
• Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol
• Lithium
• Physostigmine
• Chlorpromazine
• Norepinephrine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Bipolar Disorder (blood, genetics, psychology)
• Chlorpromazine (pharmacology)
• Circadian Rhythm
• Electroconvulsive Therapy
• Feedback
• Female
• Glycols (blood)
• Humans
• Lithium (pharmacology)
• Male
• Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol (blood)
• Middle Aged
• Norepinephrine (metabolism)
• Physostigmine (pharmacology)
• Receptors, Adrenergic (drug effects)
• Receptors, Muscarinic (drug effects)