neurotransmitters in relation to depression

[pauljohn]

what might be an example of the above at work? (i'm particularly interested in serotonin, but also dopamine and norepinephrine)

[herbbread]

Did you have any particular question regarding serotonin and depression.  In general, serotonin levels, and many of the precursors for the generation of the particular neurotransmitter, tend to be lower in people with depression.  That's the reason behind the use of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in people with depression.  By blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, you increase the amount of time the neurotransmitter remains active at the synapse, and compensates for any deficiency in serotonin there might be.

There's a good article reviewing the pathology between serotonin and depression that might be useful: http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/abstract/40/2/288