Posted by linkadge on June 11, 2010, at 18:20:31
In reply to Re: Valproic Acid Linked To Congenital Malformations » linkadge, posted by SLS on June 11, 2010, at 15:11:11
I know that gsk-3b inhibitors have mood stabilizing effects. Gsk-3b is increased by stress and attenuated by mood stabilizers (and some antidepressants like fluoxetine). It has some effect on circadian rhythms, neuronal inflammation as well as blood glucose regulation. GSK-3b inhibiton also affects the sensitivity of 5-ht1b receptors as well, GSK-3b inhibiton also reduces the developement of beta amyloid.
In terms of development of the fetus, not exactly sure. It has some effect on the outgrowth of nerve cells. Mild GSK-3b inhibition in humans appears to have neurotrophic effecs, while as higher doses are neurotoxic. It is linked somehow with beta catenin and bcl-2, which regulate cell survival, nerve growth etc. I'm not a molecular biologist though.
There is some info here (page 5) with regards to the effects of teratogenic effects of valproate. In this case it is in reference to its HDAC inhibiting effects.
http://www.biochemsoctrans.org/bst/037/1126/0371126.pdf
Linkadge
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100604/msgs/950758.html