Posted by drummer (209.105.155.54) on March 24, 2000 at 17:56:18:
In Reply to: Hey Jack ! (read this) posted by drummer on March 24, 2000 at 17:23:25:
Also, if you take a look at these two medicines (Topamax and Baclofen) and how they work with Serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyrate).
These two medicines are quite interesting too.
Check out the description of (GABA) - 'gamma-aminobutyrate' and how it has an affect on the 5-HT Serotonin neuro-receptors.
"The physiological function of each receptor subtype has not been established and is currently the subject of intensive investigation. With the exception of the 5-HT3 receptor, which is a ligand-gated ion channel related to NMDA, GABA and nicotinic receptors, all of the 5-HT receptor subtypes belong to the group of G-protein linked receptors."
Keep in mind the 'mechanism of action' of Topamax and Baclofen:
Mechanism of Action (Topamax):
"Topamax reduces the duration of abnormal discharges and the number of action potentials within each discharge. This is probably secondary to its ability to block voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Second, topamax enhances the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA) at GABA-A receptors by increasing the frequency at which GABA activates GABA-A receptors. Third, topamax inhibits excitatory transmission by antagonizing some types of glutamate receptors. Specifically, topamax antagonizes the ability of kainate to activate the kainate/AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid; non-NMDA) subtype of excitatory amino acid (glutamate) receptor."
Same thing for the 'mechanism of action' in regards to Baclofen too.
Mechanism of Action (Baclofen):
"L-baclofen is designated an orphan drug for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Baclofen's mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed that the drug works mainly at the level of the spinal cord to block polysynaptic afferent pathways and, to a lesser extent, monosynaptic afferent pathways. Baclofen may inhibit the transmission of impulses through these pathways by acting as an inhibitory neurotransmitter itself or by hyperpolarizing the primary afferent nerve terminals, which inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and aspartic acids. Because large doses of baclofen cause CNS depression, it is postulated that the drug works at supraspinal sites as well. One reference describes baclofen as a GABA agonist. This leads to a decreased release of the neurotransmitters aspartate and glutamate and decreased excitatory input into alpha-motor neurons."
Very interesting indeed.