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COMT-inhibitors for depression - anyone?

Posted by Scott L. Schofield on April 20, 2000, at 15:56:17

Catechol-O-methyl transferase = COMT
Monoamine oxidase = MAO

COMT is an enzyme that works very much like MAO in that it breaks down dopamine so that it doesn't accumulate in excessive amounts within the synaptic cleft (the gap between neurons across which a neurotransmitter must travel). Like MAO-inhibitors, COMT-inhibitors prevent this break-down from happening, thereby allowing the levels of dopamine to increase within the synapse. COMT-inhibitors also prevent the breakdown of l-dopa in the blood stream. This allows more l-dopa, the immediate precursor of dopamine, to enter the brain.

Tolcapone (Tasmar) and entacapone are two COMT-inhibitors, but I do not know what their present status are for marketing.

Has anyone used a COMT-inhibitor to treat depression?


- Scott

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poster:Scott L. Schofield thread:30742
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000420/msgs/30742.html