| | |  | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | |
| Neurotrophins and depression |
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| Author(s): Altar CA |
| Source: TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Pages: 59-61 Published: FEB 1999 |
| Times Cited: 233 References: 30 |
| Abstract: Exogenous delivery of the neurotrophic factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), promotes the function, sprouting and regrowth of 5-HT-containing neurones in the brains of adult rats. Similar infusions of BDNF into the dorsal raphe nucleus produce an antidepressant effect, as evaluated by several 'learned helplessness' paradigms. Environmental stressors such as immobilization induce depression and decrease BDNF mRNA. Antidepressants increase BDNF mRNA in the brain, via 5-HT2A and beta-adrenoceptor subtypes and prevent the stress-induced decreases in BDNF mRNA. In this article, Tony Altar discusses how existing treatments of depression might work by increasing endogenous brain levels of BDNF or NT-3, which in turn could promote monoamine-containing neurone growth and function. Drugs that selectively stimulate the production of neurotrophins could represent a new generation of antidepressants. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Altar, CA (reprint author), Otsuka Amer Pharmaceut, Maryland Res Labs, Global Neurosci Res, 9900 Med Ctr Dr, Rockville, MD 20850 USA |
Addresses:
1. Otsuka Amer Pharmaceut, Maryland Res Labs, Global Neurosci Res, Rockville, MD 20850 USA |
| Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON, 84 THEOBALDS RD, LONDON WC1X 8RR, ENGLAND |
| Subject Category: Pharmacology & Pharmacy |
| IDS Number: 180ZM |
| ISSN: 0165-6147 |
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| | | | | | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | | | | |