Posted by jasmineneroli on December 11, 2004, at 23:32:59
In reply to Re: Alternative Treatment for Asthma? » GeishaGirl, posted by KaraS on December 9, 2004, at 17:24:04
Hi Kara:
I found this interesting abstract whilst researching the novel drug Tianeptine. I know it doesn't give you the answer you were looking for, but it does give some interesting info on plasma levels of serotonin and asthma...the two are definitely related.
"Studies have shown the levels of free serotonin in plasma are increased in symptomatic patients with asthma. In addition, the concentration of free serotonin in symptomatic children with asthma correlates positively with clinical status and negatively with pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]). Thus, reducing the concentration of free serotonin in plasma may be useful in treating children with asthma. We studied the effectiveness of tianeptine in treating these patients. Tianeptine is the only drug known to be able to reduce the level of free serotonin in plasma and to enhance the uptake by platelets. Sixty-nine of the 82 children with asthma initially enrolled participated in this study. Children were randomized to receive tianeptine or placebo or both in a double-blind crossover trial. The trial lasted 52 weeks. Tianeptine provoked a dramatic and sudden decrease of both clinical rating and free serotonin plasma levels and an increase in pulmonary function."
(From xxx).If there is an alternative substance that works on 5HT1A and/ or ACCELERATES serotonin re-uptake (the 2 aspects of tianeptine)...it might duplicate tianeptine's effect.
If you cannot find an alternative treatment, Tianeptine might be a choice.
Take care,
Jas
poster:jasmineneroli
thread:423513
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20041123/msgs/428062.html