Psychopharmacology
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There is a close relationship between arousal and pupil diameter, decrease in the level of arousal being accompanied by constriction of the pupil (miosis), probably reflecting the attenuation of sympathetic outflow as sedation sets in. Paradoxically, sedation induced by benzodiazepines is not accompanied by miosis. ⋯ Diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by any change in either the sympathetic or parasympathetic influence on the iris.
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Broad evidence indicates that modulation of the glutamatergic system could be an efficient way to achieve antidepressant activity. Metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu receptor) ligands seem to be promising agents to treat several central nervous system disorders, including psychiatric ones. ⋯ These results strongly suggest that activation of the mGlu7 receptor elicits antidepressant-like effects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Single and multiple doses of rimonabant antagonize acute effects of smoked cannabis in male cannabis users.
A single 90-mg dose of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant attenuates effects of smoked cannabis in humans. ⋯ Repeated lower daily rimonabant doses (40 mg) attenuated the acute physiological effects of smoked cannabis to a similar degree as a single 90-mg dose; repeated 40-mg doses attenuated subjective effects after 8 but not 15 days.
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Low capacity of the central serotonergic system has been associated with impulsive behaviour. Both low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and the short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) are proposed to be markers of less efficient serotonergic functioning. ⋯ The two markers of lower serotonergic capacity, 5-HTTLPR S allele and low platelet MAO activity, have a similar and partly synergistic influence on self-reported as well as performance measures of impulsivity.