ALLOPURINOL AS PROSPECTIVE TREATMENT FOR MENTAL DISORDERS - A REVIEW

Purinergic mechanisms and specific receptor subtypes proved to he associated with regulation of several behavioral and mood aspects, as well as dysregulation occurring in pathologic processes involving cerebrum. Presently, the most promising data concerning therapeutic strategies are linked to the investigation of adenosine system, due to unique influence of A2A receptors on neurons and astrocytes in affective disorders and schizophrenia. Allopurinol (C5H4N4O) is an organic compound, hypoxanthine isomer and xanthine oxidase inhibitor, which reduces production of xanthines and uric acid. Mechanism of allopurinol action depends on blockage of xanthine oxidase activity. This enzyme catalyzes oxidation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and further, xanthine to uric acid in purine catabolic pathway. Allopurinol inhibits the formation of uric acid, thus reduces serum and urine concentrations of uric acid. The presented studies depict potential stabilizing, antidepressant, anti-manic. anticonvulsant and tranquilizing effects of allopurinol, proving that it may constitute a proper field of interest in psychiatry, worthy of clinicians' attention.