Transynaptic mechanisms in the action of antidepressant drugs

Antidepressant drugs act on different neuronal system and pre- and postsynaptic sites. Integrated transynaptic events are considered to be involved in those adaptive changes which seem to be operative after a prolonged administration. The authors explain how these long-term effects, rather than the acute pharmacological actions, are most likely to represent the biochemical mechanism underlying the delayed onset of antidepressant therapeutic efficacy. Among the possible mechanisms responsible for the adaptation of central aminergic neurons, interactions between serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, chemico-physical properties of the membranes and the modulatory actions of hormones and cotransmitters are considered. © 1984.