Posted by NoMotic on December 27, 2003, at 13:35:36
In reply to Re: St John's Wort - An MAOI? » linkadge, posted by SLS on December 27, 2003, at 9:08:16
As I understand, it broadly inhibits the reuptake of glutamate, GABA, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin through affecting the sodium gradient. It doesn't actually block the reuptake pump or whatever like SSRI's. It indirectly leads to widespread reuptake inhibition across the board and this is responsible for its effects.
Also, it acts as a cytokine blocker (interleukin - 6). Some suspect this contributes to antidepressant action since cytokines can alter neurotransmitter levels.
Until they do more studies, it's hard to say exactly what is responsible for what effects. All they can do is assume and rule out certain reasons, and I guess they ruled out the MAO inhibition because of the lack of hypertension associated w/ its use.
poster:NoMotic
thread:293527
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031218/msgs/293781.html