Sullivan J L, Zung W W, Stanfield C N, Cavenar J O
Biol Psychiatry. 1978 Jun;13(3):399-407.
Previous reports suggest that tricyclic antidepressants inhibit platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in vitro and in vivo. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between tricyclic-mediated inhibition of platelet MAO and resolution of clinical signs and symptoms which are commonly associated with the depressive syndrome. The results indicate that the sedative-hypnotic effects of the tricyclics closely correlate with the magnitude of platelet MAO inhibition. It appears that these effects may be mediated through alterations in the metabolism of serotonin and/or the phenylethylamines.
