MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS: AUGMENTATION OF PRESSOR EFFECTS OF PERORAL TYRAMINE

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors markedly enhance the oral pressor potency of tyramine by preventing it from being destroyed by the monoamine oxidase normally present in liver and intestine. Since certain types of cheese contain high concentrations of tyramine, they should not be eaten by patients during treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

THE 5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE CONTENT OF THE PLACENTA AND FOETUS DURING PREGNANCY IN MICE

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5HT) levels were measured in blood and tissues from pregnant mice. Blood levels remained constant during pregnancy and were the same as those in nonpregnant female mice. Placental levels of 5HT increased throughout pregnancy as did the foetal levels. The maternal blood volume of the placenta also increased with advancing gestation. 5HT levels were measured after treatment of the mother with 5HT, and the critical placental level of 5HT observed at about the time of death of the foetus was determined. The levels of 5HT in the placenta and foetus after treatment of the mother with several monoamine oxidase inhibitors were measured, and found to show no significant increase above the normal levels in these tissues. Treatment with cyproheptadine, a 5HT antagonist, did not delay parturition.

A COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF IMIPRAMINE, AMITRIPTYLINE, ISOCARBOXAZID AND TRANYLCYPROMINE IN OUT-PATIENT DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS

Though there have been many studies on the pharmacological approach to depressive illness, opinions as to the indications for anti-depressant medication and the most appropriate substance to prescribe remain far from any state of general agreement.