Serotonin-Dopamine Interaction: Experimental Evidence and Therapeutic Relevance

This book provides a unique and timely multidisciplinary synthesis of our current knowledge of the anatomy, pharmacology, physiology and behavioral data of the serotonin (5-HT)-dopamine (DA) interactions. Central serotonergic and dopaminergic systems play a critical role in the regulation of normal and abnormal behaviors. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that the dysfunction of the DA and 5-HT neurotransmitter systems contribute to various mental disorders including depression, schizophrenia, drug addiction and Parkinson’s disease. This extremely important topic is of wide interest within the scientific community, with relevance not only to specialists but also to general practitioners and students. The book provides a valuable contribution to the debate on new pharmacological approaches for several psychopathological states, with contributions from expert neuroscientists and pharmacologists who comprehensively survey the most significant currently active areas of dopamine/serotonin interactions.

* Provides an understanding of the interaction between Serotonin and Dopamine.
* Appeals equally to specialists, general practitioners, students and researchers.
* Contributes to the debate on new pharmacological approaches to several psychopathological states
* Gives a comprehensive anatomical description plus the physiology and pharmacology of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems
* Singles out neuropsychiatric and suggests new therapeutic approaches.

1. SEROTONIN-DOPAMINE INTERACTIONS IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
1. Serotonin-Dopamine Interaction: an overview.
2. Serotonin control of central dopaminergic function: focus on in vivo microdialysis studies.
3. Serotonin-Dopamine Interaction: electrophysiological evidence.
4. Functional genetic polymorphisms in serotonin and dopamine gene systems and their significance in behavioural disorders.

2. SEROTONIN-DOPAMINE INTERACTIONS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
5. Distribution of 5-HT and DA receptors in primate prefrontal cortex: implications for pathophysiology and treatment.
6. Alterations of dopamine and serotonin transmission in schizophrenia.
7. Serotonin and dopamine interactions in psychosis prevention.
8. Role of serotonin and dopamine receptor binding in antipsychotic efficacy.
9. In vivo actions of atypical antipsychotic drug on serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.
10. Neuropharmacology of second-generation antipsychotic drugs: a validity of the serotonin-dopamine hypothesis.
11. Serotonin-dopamine interactions: implications for the design of novel therapeutic agents for psychiatric disorders.

3. SEROTONIN-DOPAMINE INTERACTIONS IN DEPRESSION
12. The dorsal raphe nucleus and serotonin —implications for neuroplasticity linked to major depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
13. Dynamics of the dopaminergic system as a key component to the understanding of depression.
14. Physiological and therapeutic relevance of constitutive activity of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors for the treatment of depression.
15. The role of dopamine and serotonin in suicidal behaviour and aggression.

4. SEROTONIN-DOPAMINE INTERACTIONS IN DRUG ADDICTION
16. Prospects for serotonin 5-HT2R pharmacotherapy in psychostimulant abuse.
17. Pharmacological inhibition of dopamine- and serotonin activity blocks spontaneous and cocaine-activated behaviour.
18. Serotonin receptors as potential targets for modulation of nicotine use and dependence.
19. Dopamine/Serotonin releasers as medications for stimulant addictions.
20. PTEN-5-HT2C coupling: A new target for treating drug addiction.

5. SEROTONIN-DOPAMINE INTERACTIONS IN MOTOR DISORDERS
21. Serotonin modulation of the basal ganglia circuitry: therapeutic implication for Parkinson’s disease and other motor disorders.
22. Serotonin-Dopamine interaction in the induction and maintenance of LDOPA-induced dyskinesias.
23. Parkinson’s disease – opportunities for novel therapeutics to reduce the problems of levodopa therapy.
24. Neurobiological basis of serotonin-dopamine antagonists in the treatment of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.

6. SEROTONIN-DOPAMINE INTERACTIONS IN ATTENTIONAL PROCESSES, LEARNING AND MEMORY
25. Serotonergic and dopaminergic modulation of attentional processes.
26. Dopamine-serotonin interactions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
27. Serotonin/dopamine interaction in learning.
28. Serotonin-dopamine interaction in memory formation.
29. The roles of dopamine and serotonin, and of their receptors, in regulating sleep and waking.