Modulation of noradrenergic neuronal firing by selective serotonin reuptake blockers

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Abstract
Using in vivo extracellular unitary recording, the effect of short term (2‐day) and long‐term (21‐day) administration of the selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine (10 mg kg−1 day−1, s.c. using osmotic minipumps) was examined on the spontaneous firing activity of locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons. Long‐term but not short‐term treatment significantly decreased firing activity. Thus, it appears that enhancing 5‐HT neurotransmission by sustained SSRI administration leads to a reduction of the firing rate of noradrenergic neurons. The SSRI paroxetine therefore alters the activity of noradrenergic neurons with a delay that is consistent with its therapeutic action in depression and panic disorder.British Journal of Pharmacology (1999) 126, 568–571; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0702343