Posted by tina on July 26, 2000, at 7:27:35
In reply to Re: Heterocyclic AD's » tina, posted by Cam W. on July 25, 2000, at 19:27:02
> > I've read that desipramine is a "heterocyclic AD. What the heck does that mean anyway?
>
> It is a description of desipramine's chemical structure and is used as a way to classify the molecule as being different from other antidepressants.
>
> Desipramine has 3 rings in it's structure: 2 benzene rings (a six carbon atom structure joined together with double-bonds) connected by a five sided pentagram with a nitrogen atoms replacing one of the carbon atoms.
>
> In other words, desipramine has a 3 ring chemical structure, with one of the rings different from the others.
>
> Hence, heterocyclic: having or pertaining to a closed chain or ring formation that includes atoms of different elements (a nitrogen atom instead of a carbon atom in the center ring, in this case).
>
> I know that this is not too clear, but hopefully you get the gist. - Cam
poster:tina
thread:41333
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000717/msgs/41433.html