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The Sound of Evolution
Desipramine
Mechanism of action:
Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant and the major active metabolite of imipramine. Desipramine inhibits the norepinephrine transporter, blocking reuptake of norepinephrine into presynaptic neurons. This increases norepinephrine concentration in the synaptic cleft and prolongs its action on postsynaptic receptors, thereby modulating central neurotransmission related to mood, attention, and energy state.
Reference(s):
1. Zavosh A et al. (1999). Desipramine treatment decreases 3H-nisoxetine binding and norepinephrine transporter mRNA in SK-N-SHSY5Y cells. Brain Res Bull.
2. Weinshenker D et al. (2002). Regulation of norepinephrine transporter abundance by catecholamines and desipramine in vivo. Brain Res.
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