Abstract
α2-Adrenergic receptors modulate the release of several neurotransmitters implicated in the treatment and pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders. Significant sex differences occur in the prevalence of both disorders. To test whether gender affects α2 function, the plasma catecholamine and brain metabolic responses to α2 blockade were measured in male and female volunteers. Ten female and thirteen male volunteers underwent [18F]-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scans before and after infusion of idazoxan (200 μg/kg). Measures of plasma catecholamines, blood pressure, and anxiety were obtained. Norepinephrine responses were larger in males. Women showed global increases in metabolism, whereas males had no global changes and some regional decreases in FDG uptake following idazoxan administration. The differences in norepinephrine increases are consistent with previously reported effects of gender on sympathetic activation. The PET data suggest gender differences in responses to α2-receptor blockade in brain as well.
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Schmidt, M., Matochik, J., Goldstein, D. et al. Gender Differences in Brain Metabolic and Plasma Catecholamine Responses to Alpha2-Adrenoceptor Blockade. Neuropsychopharmacol 16, 298–310 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0893-133X(96)00264-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0893-133X(96)00264-3
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