Minaprine is an amino-phenylpyridazine antidepressant. It is indicated in the treatment of various depressive states. Minaprine acts on many targets in the neurons. Firstly, this drug binds as an antagonist to the serotonin type 2 receptors (C, B, and C). Secondly, it can also antagonize the dopamine D1 and D2 type receptors. In third place, minaprine binds to the serotonin reuptake pump. With these three actions, minaprine blocks the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin, leaving more of those two neurotransmitters in the synapse. Furthermore, minaprine also acts as a reversible inhibitor of the amine oxidase [flavin-containing] A enzyme. The monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of many amines like serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine. There are 2 isoforms of this protein: A and B. The first one is found in cells located in the periphery and breakdown serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and tyramine. In this pathway, the action in which minaprine inhibits the acetylcholinesterase enzyme is illustrated. This action results in higher concentrations of acetylcholine in the synapses, helping with the depressive symptoms. This drug is administered as an oral tablet but has been withdrawn in 1996 because it caused strong side effects like convulsions.

Minaprine Acetylcholinesterase Antidepressant Pathway References