bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in cation transport during affective illness: Do they have therapeutic implications?
Authors: Wood Andrew J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractChanges in some of the specific mechanisms which transport cations across cell membranes have been demonstrated in patients suffering from affective illness. A number of novel strategies have been evaluated in the management of both mania and depression, based on the following observations: (1) State‐related changes in cation transport; (2) The effects of established psychotherapeutic drugs upon cation transport; and (3) theories regarding control of membrane ion flux. This article reviews the background to these novel strategies and evaluates the possible significance of changes in a number of different cation transport systems to the treatment of the affective disorders.
Monoamine function in anxiety and depression: Information from neuroendocrine challenge tests
Authors: Nutt D. J. , Cowen P. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractNeuroendocrine challenge tests are being increasingly employed to assess brain monoamine function in man. This review describes some recent studies which have used neuroendocrine tests to investigate brain noradrenaline (NA) and 5‐hydroxytrytptamine function (5‐HT) in patients suffering from anxiety and depression. A number of abnormalities, particularly in the noradrenergic system, have been identified, and some interesting similarities and contrasts have emerged between panic disorder and depression. Challenge tests can also be used to identify adaptive changes in monoamine pathways following administration of psychotropic drugs. Tolerance has been demonstrated to the ability of benzodiazepines to reduce brain 5‐HT function, a finding which could underlie some of the symptoms of the withdrawal syndrome. In addition, it seems likely that long‐term administration of tricyclic antidepressants stabilizes NA synaptic function.
Cognitive sequelae of 1,4‐ and 1,5‐benzodiazepines
Authors: Cull Christine A. , Trimble Michael R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTwo studies were carried out comparing the effects of clobazam (a 1,5‐benzodiazepine), and clonazepam (a 1,4‐benzodiazepine), with placebo, in a double‐blind crossover design. Ten and nine healthy male volunteers, respectively, participated in each study. Performance on a series of automated psychological tests was assessed on four occassions: prior to any treatment; at the end of the first 2‐week treatment period; following a 2‐week washout phase, and again at the end of a second 2‐week treatment period. Blood samples were collected at the last three occasions for analysis of drug levels. Minimal impairment in cognitive functioning was found with clobazam, only two of the more complex tasks being affected. In contrast, the pattern of findings with clonazepam suggests that it may have adverse affects on a broader range of functions. A relationship was found between performance on three measures and serum level of clobazam, such that response latency decreased with increasing serum level. In contrast, for clonazepam, a significant correlation was found on one task, in the direction of increased response latency with increasing drug level. These findings are discussed in the light of clinical literature about the use and efficacy of these two benzodiazepines, as antiepileptic agents.
Irreversible hypothyroidism following prolonged use of lithium
Authors: Bovier P. , Toutoungi M. , Hilleret H. , Dick P. , Tissot R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA 66‐year‐old white man developed hypothyroidism after 5 years of lithium therapy. The condition persisted after switching to carbamazepine. Thyroid hormone substitution improved the response to psychotropic drugs and has helped to maintain stable mood.
Performance and mood following partial sleep deprivation: A randomized, double‐blind crossover study of zopiclone, triazolam, flunitrazepam, ethanol and placebo
Authors: Wickstrøm Egil , Godtlibsen O. B. , Bredesen J. E. , Jensen M. H. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects of zopiclone 7.5 and 15 mg, triazolam 0.25 and 0.5 mg, flunitrazepam 1 and 2 mg, ethanol and placebo on performance, mood and sleep onset latency after partial sleep deprivation, were compared in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover, single‐dose study. Sixteen healthy volunteers of both sexes, aged 21–31 years, were included in the study. The overall assessment of the total psychological measurement indicated that zopiclone 7.5 mg, triazolam 0.25 mg and ethanol (Cmax = 0.40 parts per thousand) did not affect the daytime performance of an unacceptable degree even when given late at light. The findings for flunitrazepam 1 mg were not so uniform, but also seemed acceptable. Zopiclone 15 mg, triazolam 0.5 mg and flunitrazepam 2 mg were rated as not acceptable alternatives. No significant differences were shown concerning mood. The overall assessment for sleep onset latency and subjective alertness indicated that zopiclone 7.5 mg and triazolam 0.25 mg had a more appropriate profile than the other drugs and doses tested.
The effects of paroxetine and other antidepressants in combination with alcohol in psychomotor activity related to car driving
Authors: Hindmarch I. , Harrison C. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTen healthy female volunteers received single doses of amitriptyline 50 mg (AMI); mianserin 20 mg (MIA); trazodone 50 mg (TRA); paroxetine 30 mg (PAR) and placebo (PLA), with or without a ‘social’ dose of alcohol (ALC) in a double‐blind, balanced crossover study where each subject acted as her own control.Psychomotor activity related to car handling ability was measured on a battery of tests at 1.5 and 4 h following study drug. The tests included tracking accuracy (RMS) and latency of response to a peripheral stimulus (RT) as measures of sensorimotor co‐ordination; the Maddox Wing test (MW) for the balance of extraocular muscles; critical flicker fusion threshold (CFF) for overall levels of CNS activity; choice reaction time (CRT) for psychomotor performance and the latency of brake reaction time (BRT) measured in a driving simulator. Subjective ratings of sedation were measured on line analogue ratings scales (VARS) and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ).When compared to PLA on objective tests, AMI significantly impaired RMS, RT, MW and CFF at 4 h post‐drug and AMI + ALC similarly impaired the same measures and BRT. MIA produced a significant impairment of RT, MW, CFF and CRT at both 1.5 and 4 h. MIA + ALC further impaired RMS at 1.5 and 4 h and BRT at 4 h. TRA showed a detrimental activity on CFF at 1.5 h and CFF, RT, MW and BRT at 4 h. TRA + ALC produced a greater effect than TRA alone at 1.5 h and significantly impaired RT, MW, TRT, BRT. There were no significant effects of TRA + ALC at 4 h. PAR alone had no measurable effect on any of the test measures at either 1.5 or 4 h after treatment. PAR + ALC impaired RT at 1.5 and 4 h but had no effect on any other measures at either test times. Indeed, compared to PLA, CFF levels were significantly improved at 4 h following both PAR and PAR + ALC and improvements in RRT were also measured 4 h after taking PAR.Subjective measures (VARS) compared to placebo, show AMI at 4 h and AMI + ALC at 1.5 and 4 h, both MIA and MIA + ALC after 1.5 and 4 h, TRA + ALC after 1.5 h and PAR + ALC at 4 h to have significant sedative activity.In this placebo‐controlled study, acute doses of AMI 50 mg, MIA 20 mg and TRA 50 mg alone and with alcohol showed evidence both of significant impairment of psychomotor skills related to vehicle handling and of perceived sedation at 1.5 and / or 4 h following treatment. Under identical circumstances PAR 30 mg produced no detrimental effect on any of the test measures, there was an impairment with PAR + ALC of one component of a divided attention task and on a subjective measurement of sedation.
Transdermal scopolamine: Effects upon psychological performance and visual functioning at sea
Authors: Parrott A. C. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects of transdermal scopolamine upon, psychological task performance, subjective feeling state, and visual functioning, were assessed with 28 naval volunteers at sea. The battery of assessment measures was given before drug administration, and following 24‐hour periods on transdermal scopolamine and transdermal placebo. Code substitution task performance was not affected, but letter cancellation errors were significantly increased, indicating an impairment in sustained attention with transdermal scopolamine. Subjective reports of dry mouth and drowsiness were significantly more frequent under scopolamine. Visual changes were also noted, with visual near point significantly increased for the overall group, and one hypermetropic subject developing a marked visual acuity decrement and severe blurred vision, following transdermal scopolamine.
Dose‐effect study of levomepromazine on psychomotor and memory tasks in healthy volunteers
Authors: Warot D. , Krebs M. O. , Bensimon G. , Payan C. , Danjou Ph. , Lacomblez L. , Puech A. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects of single doses of levomepromazine (3, 6 and 12 mg) on psychomotor skills and memory tasks, as well as haemodynamic and pupil diameter parameters, were assessed in 12 normal volunteers. Each subject was given three of the four treatments, at a weekly interval in a double‐blind crossover randomized balanced incomplete‐block design. The three doses and a placebo were monitored using a battery of tests including critical flicker fusion (CFF), choice reaction time (CRT), subjective ratings and memory tasks before, 3 and 6 hours after drug intake. Supine standing blood pressure and pupil diameter were recorded at the same times.Compared to placebo, levomepromazine impaired both subjective and objective vigilance measures in a dose‐related manner, with 3 mg affecting only some subjective ratings, while 12 mg impaired most objective and subjective vigilance evaluations with a moderate effect on memory tasks (i.e. anterograde amnesia). Pupil diameter was reduced by the evaluations with a moderate effect on memory tasks (i.e. anterograde amnesia). Pupil diameter was reduced by the three doses. In conclusion, levomepromazine at low doses induced a sedative effect the intensity and duration of which are compatible with its use as an hypnotic.
Can animal tests of anxiety detect panic‐promoting agents?
Authors: Johnston Amanda L. , File Sandra E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSodium lactate (60 and 120 mg/kg), isoproterenol (0·1–0·6 mg/kg), and yohimbine (1·25‐5 mg/kg) were investigated in two animal tests of anxiety (the elevated plus‐maze and the social interaction test). Rats were also scored for panic‐like behaviour following administration of these panic‐inducing agents and following inhalation of air supplemented with CO2 (5 and 20 per cent). None of the drugs changed the time spent in social interaction or evoked panic‐like behaviour. In the elevated plus‐maze, sodium lactate was without effect. The highest dose of isoproterenol (0·6 mg/kg) reduced the percentage of time spent on the open arms, and yohimbine reduced both the percentage of entries made onto the open arms and the percentage of time spent on the open arms, indicating anxiogenic activity. The lack of a strong anxiogenic profile with the pro‐panic compounds suggests that anxiety and panic may be biologically distinct.
Vanadium in psychiatry
Authors: Chiu Leo P. W. , Rimón Ranan 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIt has been suggested that vanadium, a potent reversible inhibitor of sodium‐potassium‐sensitive adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+‐ATPase), is of aetiological importance in manic‐depressive illness. The present review submits to critical scrutiny the pertinent literature of (1) the existence of vanadium excess in various tissues; (2) Na+/K+‐ATPase activity in erythrocytes from patients with affective illness; and (3) treatment modalities applied to reduce body vanadium or to increase ‘sodium’ activity. Finally, data on vanadium deficiency as well as vanadium poisoning are discussed.
A psychopharmacological study to assess anti‐muscarinic and central nervous effects of medifoxamine in normal volunteers
Authors: Randhawa M. A. , Hedges A. , Johnston A. , Turner P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTen volunteers received single oral doses of medifoxamine 50 and 100 mg, atropine 1 mg, amitriptyline 50 mg or placebo in random order based on a Latin square design under double‐blind conditions. Tests of anti‐muscarinic and central nervous activity were carried out at hourly intervals for 6 hours. The tests were measurements of salivary volume, heart rate, pupil diameter, manual dexterity, choice reaction time, critical flicker frequency, and visual analogue rating scales for sedation, dryness of mouth, appetite, nausea and quality of sleep. The positive controls atropine and amitriptyline produced effects which were significantly different from placebo, but neither dose of medifoxamine produced any anti‐muscarinic activity nor influenced alertness.
Ritanserin in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders: A placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Pangalila‐Ratu Langi E. A. , Jansen A. A. I. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn a double‐blind trial, 22 patients treated with 5 mg b.i.d. of the selective serotonin‐S2 antagonist ritanserin for 4 weeks were compared with 26 patients treated with placebo for generalized anxiety disorder (DSM III: 300·02). Symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and the Visual Analog Mood Rating Scale (Norris, Bond and Lader). Patients were further evaluated by means of a clinical global impression.At the end of the treatment ritanserin was significantly superior to placebo in its effect on the psychic cluster of the HARS, especially for the items insomnia (already after 1 week of treatment) tension and depressed mood. According to the Mood Rating Scale, the ritanserin‐treated patients rated themselves as calmer, more energetic and more relaxed. This significant symptomatic improvement with ritanserin was confirmed by the clinical global impression. As only one side‐effect was reported in the ritanserin group versus five in the placebo group, the results suggest that ritanserin provides a novel well‐tolerated therapy for outpatients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder.
Effects of ro 15–1788 on the vigilance performance of sleep‐deprived men
Authors: O'Hanlon J. F. , Vermeeren A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractRo 15–1788, a selective ‘benzodiazepine’, was recently recognized as possessing either intrinsic pharmacological activity or the capability of blocking activities of one or more hypothetical endogenous ligands at the benzodiazepine receptor. A study was designed to test the hypothesis that Ro 15–1788 effects will reverse those of sleep deprivation on the vigilance performance of healthy volunteers. Eight subjects were trained and then tested in five trials at hourly intervals over a morning following normal sleep (baseline session). On the latter occasions the subjects were treated 15 min before the 1st trial with Ro 15–1788, 3 mg, i.v. and placebo according to a double‐blind, counterbalanced, crossover design. Changes in the subjects' vigilance performance from baseline indicated first the expected overall effect of sleep deprivation; and secondly, a significant (p<0.05 or lower, depending upon the parameter and statistical test) interaction of treatments and trials. Placebo was followed by consistently poor performance over all trials. Drug was followed by superior performance in the first trial (nearly the same as baseline) and increasingly poorer performance on subsequent trials. The results of the trial‐by‐trial comparisons indicated that the significant interaction was attributable to a biphasic drug effect.
Assessment by antipyrine test of bupropion enzymic induction in elderly depressed patients
Authors: Bourin M. , Colin J. N. , Kergueris M. F. , Ortega A. , Nebout T. , Peck A. W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBupropion, a novel antidepressant drug, is known to be a moderate hepatic metabolism‐inducer in rodents at high doses but not in young human volunteers. Eleven elderly depressed patients (mean age 76·9 ± 8·7 years) entered in the study and received 100 mg of bupropion t.i.d. for 28 days. An antipyrine test was performed before and at day 28 of therapy. Antipyrine was taken orally (15 mg/kg) at 8 a.m. and blood samples were drawn at 11 a.m., 2, 5, and 8 p.m. Plasma levels were assayed using a GLC method. Results show a slight but significant increase of apparent clearance (+30 per cent) and decrease in the half‐life (–14 per cent) of antipyrine. Difference between these results and previous results in young volunteers might be explained by the usual decrease of hepatic function described in elderly patients. Bupropion can be considered in elderly people as a slight hepatic enzyme‐inducer.
The government, the pharmaceutical industry and the economics of psychotropic drug prescribing
Authors: Cantopher Tim , Guy Edwards J. , Olivieri Stefano 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe numbers of NHS prescriptions for tranquillizers in England are falling, having peaked in the mid‐1970s. This fall is not mirrored by prescriptions for other psychotropic drugs. Drug costs have risen over the past ten years faster than inflation, though a temporary fall in the price of Valium (diazepam) and Librium (chlordiazepoxide) had a profound effect on this trend. The economics of psychotropic drug prescribing, including the reasons for these increases, are considered. Ways of cutting the drug bill are examined.
Body sway and the effects of psychoactive drugs — a review
Authors: McClelland G. R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe published literature on the effects of single oral doses of psychoactive drugs on body sway in normal healthy young volunteers has been reviewed. Several methods are used to quantify sway objectively, including mechanical devices, balance platforms, and non‐contact techniques. No one method emerges as being most appropriate for use in psychopharmacology. Total sway path and Fourier analysis are the variables commonly studied. Although many factors can influence sway they have little impact on well‐designed studies. Ethanol has been consistently shown to increase body sway at doses above 0·5 g/kg, benzodiazepines also increase sway; both probably acting at a central site(s). Various other psychoactive drugs have been shown to increase sway; however, none has yet been shown to decrease the amount of sway in normal subjects. The objective measurement of body sway is therefore a useful test for inclusion in a battery of tests for studies in human psychopharmacology. It also has a potential application in other areas of research requiring the assessment of central nervous system function, and in other subject groups, such as the elderly.
Methylxanthines cause a decrease of prolactin plasma levels in healthy non‐pregnant women
Authors: Casas M. , Ferre S. , Rodriguez J. , Jane F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effect of different doses of caffeine and theophylline (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg p.o.) on prolactin plasma levels in volunteer non‐pregnant women has been analysed. The study of basal serum prolactin levels demonstrated great interindividual variation with a good reproducibility of the basal prolactin pattern for all subjects. We found a slight but significant decrease in prolactin levels following xanthine administration. The possible dopaminergic agonism of xanthines and the consequent social implications are discussed.
Clinical evidence of the effectiveness of vinpocetine in the treatment of organic psychosyndrome
Authors: Blaha L. , Erzigkeit H. , Adamczyk A. , Freytag S. , Schaltenbrand R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis study was multi‐center, double‐blind, placebo controlled, and involved random assignment of patients. It was carried out in the ambulances of general practitioners and internists. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of vinpocetine in patients with a mild to moderate severe organic psychosyndrome caused by cerebral blood supply disorders and / or metabolic disturbance. Dosage of 5, 10 and 20 mg vinpocetine or placebo t.i.d. Were examined over a treatment period of 12 weeks with 282 patients.The study design required a programmed, standardized investigator training. In addition, a pre‐study test was used to ensure correct and uniform execution of study control.The Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and the performance test SKT showed statistically significant differences between the verum groups and placebo. Self‐assessment of mood and performance capability (EDS), and life satisfaction (LZ) confirmed these outcomes. The results of the Hachinski Ischaemia Scores did not permit an unequivocal classification of patients into primary degenerative and multi‐infarct dementia types. The higher dosage groups experienced a greater therapeutic advantage than did the 5 mg t.i.d vinpocetine dosage group. Only a few side effects were observed.
Dose related effects of trimipramine on psychomotor function, memory, and autonomic nervous system activity in healthy volunteers
Authors: Warot D. , Molinier P. , Lacomblez L. , Payan C. , Danjou Ph. , Puech A. J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects of single doses of trimipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant (25, 50 and 100 mg) and placebo on psychomotor performance, memory, haemodynamics, pupil diameter and salivary volume, were assessed in 12 normal volunteers. All subjects received each of the four treatments, at weekly interval, according to a double‐blind cross‐over Latinsquare design.Treatments effects were monitored using a battery of tests including critical flicker fusion (CFF), choice reaction time (CRT), subjective ratings of mood and memory tasks before, and 3 and 8 hours following medication. Supine standing blood pressure, pupil diameter and salivary volume were recorded at the same times.Compared to placebo, trimipramine impaired both subjective and objective measures in a dose‐related manner, with 25 mg affecting some subjective ratings and CFF, and 100 mg impairing most objective and subjective evaluations, except memory and haemodynamic variables. Pupil diameter was reduced by 50 and 100 mg trimipramine, whereas salivary volume was affected only by the highest dose studied.In conclusion, the sedative effects of trimipramine appeared dose‐related. No amnesic effect could be evidenced, at the doses studied. Changes in autonomic nervous system activity have been shown on pupil diameter and salivary secretion.
Stimulation of growth hormone secretion by baclofen in man: Failure to confirm published findings
Authors: Markar Hameen , Bennie John , Carroll Sheena , Chiswick Ann , Wilson Helen , Goodwin Guy M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effects upon growth hormone (GH) secretion of oral baclofen were determined in 20 male volunteers. Doses of either 5 mg or 0·25 mg/kg (approx. 20 mg) of baclofen were employed. No stimulation of growth hormone secretion could be discerned in the 90 min following ingestion, a result which is in contrast with the findings of a previous study. We conclude that stimulation of GH secretion by baclofen at low doses does not provide a ready assay of GABAB function in man.
The role of calcium in the pharmacology of mania
Authors: Dinan Timothy G. , Elphick Martin , Sharp Trevor 
Published: December 2004

AbstractEpisodes of mania in bipolar affective disorder patients are associated with a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid calcium. A reduction in extracellular calcium in most neurones leads to a decrease in calcium‐activated potassium conductance mechanisms. Such mechanisms help govern the rate of action potential generation by neurones, and thus the rate of information processing. The dopamine hypothesis of neuroleptic action cannot explain the antimanic actions of lithium, calcium antagonists or carbamazepine. This paper proposes a common mechanism of action for such substances — namely, an action on calcium‐activated potassium conductances.