Study 17
Effects of hypericum extract on the expression of serotonin receptors
AU: Mueller-WE; Rossol-R
AD: Institute fur Physiologische Chemie der Johannes-Gutenberg-Universitat, Mainz, Germany.
SO: J-Geriatr-Psychiatry-Neurol. 1994 Oct; 7 Suppl 1: S63-4
Description
The influence of hypericum extract LI 160 on the expression of serotonin receptors was investigated using a neuroblastoma cell line to establish a model for the regulation of neurotransmitters by immunologically active compounds such as cytokines. The cells were incubated with hypericum extract LI 160 in kinetic form for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours, then washed. The hypericum concentrations were 5 x 0.0001 to 5 x 0.000001 mol/l = 50-0.5 microg/ml extract = 6-600 ng/ml hypericine = within the range for possible hypericum concentrations in the brain during antidepressant treatment. The serotonin receptor expression analysis was compared to that of a placebo control solution.
Results
The neuroblastoma cells showed a clearly reduced expression of the serotonin receptors under treatment with hypericum extract. The first stimulation experiments with interleukin-1 (IL-1) and hypericum extract suggest that a further reduction of the serotonin receptors is possible when IL-1 is added.
Researchers' comments
The reduced serotonin receptor availability might inhibit the reuptake ability of serotonin into the cells.
Unlike classic antidepressants, which bind the neurotransmitter, hypericum might "block" the entry point back into the cells, leading to an increased level of neurotransmitters and by that an antidepressant effect.
The influence of hypericum on IL-1 might also contribute to a stronger serotonin reuptake inhibition.
Copyright © 1996 by Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. and Peter McWilliams
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