ANTIACETYLCHOLINE ACTION OF IMIPRAMINE

Abstract

Imipramine, a potent antidepressive drug has been shown to antagonize the actions of a number of autopharmacological substances like histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, bradykinin, catecholamines and acetylcholine (1). Sigg and his coworkers (2, 3) observed a dual effect of imipramine on the various manifestations of the autonomic nervous system; a blocking action at higher dosage and a stimulant effect with low concentrations. The purpose of the present study was to investigate in more details the interactions between imipramine and acetylcholine at various sites, where acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter. This was done both at the muscarinic and nicotinic site.