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Asim M, Wang H, Waris A. Altered neurotransmission in stress-induced depressive disorders: The underlying role of the amygdala in depression. Neuropeptides 2023; 98:102322. [PMID: 36702033 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Depression is the second leading cause of disability in the world population, for which currently available pharmacological therapies either have poor efficacy or have some adverse effects. Accumulating evidence from clinical and preclinical studies demonstrates that the amygdala is critically implicated in depressive disorders, though the underlying pathogenesis mechanism needs further investigation. In this literature review, we overviewed depression and the key role of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Glutamate neurotransmission in depression. Notably, we discussed a new cholecystokinin-dependent plastic changes mechanism under stress and a possible antidepressant response of cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR) antagonist. Moreover, we discussed the fundamental role of the amygdala in depression, to discuss and understand the pathophysiology of depression and the inclusive role of the amygdala in this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asim
- Department of Biomedical science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 0000, Hong Kong; City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen research institute, Shenzhen 518507, PR China; Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 0000, Hong Kong.
| | - Huajie Wang
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen research institute, Shenzhen 518507, PR China; Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 0000, Hong Kong
| | - Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 0000, Hong Kong; City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen research institute, Shenzhen 518507, PR China
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2
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Does the change in glutamate to GABA ratio correlate with change in depression severity? A randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3833-3841. [PMID: 35982258 PMCID: PMC9712215 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01730-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies suggest a perturbation in glutamate and/or GABA in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). However, no studies examine the ratio of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) to GABA (Glx/GABA) as it relates to depressive symptoms, which may be more sensitive than either single metabolite. Using a within-subject design, we hypothesized that reduction in depressive symptoms correlates with reduction in Glx/GABA in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The present trial is a randomized clinical trial that utilized 1H-MRS to examine Glx/GABA before and after 8 weeks of escitalopram or placebo. Participants completed the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17) and underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after treatment. Two GABA-edited MEGA-PRESS acquisitions were interleaved with a water unsuppressed reference scan. GABA and Glx were quantified from the average difference spectrum, with preprocessing using Gannet and spectral fitting using TARQUIN. Linear mixed models were utilized to evaluate relationships between change in HDRS17 and change in Glx/GABA using a univariate linear regression model, multiple linear regression incorporating treatment type as a covariate, and Bayes Factor (BF) hypothesis testing to examine strength of evidence. No significant relationship was detected between percent change in Glx, GABA, or Glx/GABA and percent change in HDRS17, regardless of treatment type. Further, MDD severity before/after treatment did not correlate with ACC Glx/GABA. In light of variable findings in the literature and lack of association in our investigation, future directions should include evaluating glutamate and glutamine individually to shed light on the underpinnings of MDD severity. Advancing Personalized Antidepressant Treatment Using PET/MRI, ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02623205.
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3
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Ghuman A, McEwen A, Tran KH, Mitchell N, Hanstock C, Seres P, Jhangri G, Burgess D, Baker G, Le Melledo JM. Prospective Investigation of Glutamate Levels and Percentage Gray Matter in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Females at Risk for Postpartum Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1988-2000. [PMID: 35236264 PMCID: PMC9886796 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220302101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial female hormone fluctuations associated with pregnancy and postpartum have been linked to a greater risk of developing depressive symptoms, particularly in high-risk women (HRW), i.e. those with histories of mood sensitivity to female hormone fluctuations. We have shown that glutamate (Glu) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) decrease during perimenopause, a period of increased risk of developing a major depressive episode. Our team has also demonstrated that percentage gray matter (%GM), another neural correlate of maternal brain health, decreases in the MPFC during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To investigate MPFC Glu levels and %GM from late pregnancy up to 7 weeks postpartum in HRW and healthy pregnant women (HPW). METHODS Single-voxel spectra were acquired from the MPFC of 41 HPW and 22 HRW using 3- Tesla in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at five different time points. RESULTS We observed a statistically significant interaction between time and group for the metabolite Glu, with Glu levels being lower for HRW during pregnancy and early postpartum (p<0.05). MPFC %GM was initially lower during pregnancy and then significantly increased over time in both groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION This investigation suggests that the vulnerability towards PPD is associated with unique fluctuations of MPFC Glu levels during pregnancy and early postpartum period. Our results also suggest that the decline in MPFC %GM associated with pregnancy seems to progressively recover over time. Further investigations are needed to determine the specific role that female hormones play on the physiological changes in %GM during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Ghuman
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 street Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7; Tel: 780-407-6578; Fax: 780-407-6672; E-mail:
| | - Alyssa McEwen
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 street Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7; Tel: 780-407-6578; Fax: 780-407-6672; E-mail:
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Godfrey KEM, Gardner AC, Kwon S, Chea W, Muthukumaraswamy SD. Differences in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter levels between depressed patients and healthy controls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 105:33-44. [PMID: 30144668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and/or glutamate neurotransmitter systems have increasingly been implicated in the aetiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It has been proposed that alterations in GABA and/or glutamate result in an imbalance of inhibition and excitation. In a review of the current literature, we identified studies using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to examine the neurotransmitters GABA, glutamate, and the composite glutamate/glutamine measure Glx in patients diagnosed with MDD and healthy controls. Results showed patients with MDD had significantly lower GABA levels compared to controls (-0.35 [-0.61,-0.10], p = 0.007). No significant difference was found between levels of glutamate. Sub-analyses were performed, including only studies where the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) was the region of interest. GABA and Glx levels were lower in the ACC of MDD patients (-0.56 [-0.93,-0.18] p = 0.004, and 0.40 [-0.81,0.01] p = 0.05). This review indicates widespread cortical reduction of GABA in MDD, with a trend towards a localised reduction of Glx in the ACC. However, given both GABA and glutamate appear decreased a simple interpretation in terms of an imbalance of overall excitation-inhibition is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E M Godfrey
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Abby C Gardner
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Kwon
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - William Chea
- The University of Auckland, School of Pharmacy, 85 Park Road, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
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Elevated striatal γ-aminobutyric acid in youth with major depressive disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:203-210. [PMID: 29890194 PMCID: PMC6563904 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illness. Our previous work has specifically linked anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) GABA deficits with anhedonia in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD). As anhedonia reflects alterations within the reward circuitry, we sought to extend this investigation and examine GABA levels in another key reward-related region, the striatum, in the same adolescent population. METHODS Thirty-six youth [20 with MDD and 16 healthy controls; (HC)], ages 12 to 21 years old, underwent J-edited proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) whereby GABA levels were measured in striatal and ACC voxels. GABA levels were compared between groups and between voxel positions and were examined in relation to clinical symptomatology, such as depression severity, anhedonia, anxiety, and suicidality. RESULTS Depressed youth had unexpectedly higher GABA levels in the striatum compared to HC. In both depressed and healthy youth, GABA levels were higher in the striatum than in the ACC, while the differences in depressed youth were greater. Moreover, in depressed youth, higher striatal GABA above the mean of HCs was correlated with lower ACC GABA below the mean of HCs. Striatal GABA was not correlated with clinical symptomatology in this small sample. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings suggest that higher striatal GABA levels may serve some compensatory function as a result of lower ACC GABA in depressed adolescents. It is also possible that, like lower ACC GABA, higher striatal GABA might simply be another pathological feature of adolescent depression.
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Riley CA, Renshaw PF. Brain choline in major depression: A review of the literature. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 271:142-153. [PMID: 29174766 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The focus of this review is to provide a synthesis of the current literature on the role of brain choline, as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), in major depressive disorder (MDD). The most recent 1H-MRS literature review took place over 10 years ago and, reflecting the high level of research on this topic, much has been learned since then. Higher brain choline levels have been linked to an increase in depression, and a cholinergic model for MDD development has been postulated. However, current 1H-MRS studies have been inconclusive regarding the role of choline in depression. Data from eighty-six peer-reviewed studies were analyzed for a random-effects model meta-analysis. Two significant findings are reported. Papers that did not report segmentation had a significant, moderate effect size. Higher choline concentrations in the frontal lobe were found in depressed patients, both in those who responded to treatment and those who did not, after treatment with psychiatric medication, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or electroconvulsive therapy. Findings from this review may add to existing information regarding the role of brain choline in MDD. This may provide a future target for treatment and drug development. It also may serve as a biomarker for treatment progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin A Riley
- University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Perry F Renshaw
- University of Utah, Department of Psychiatry, 383 Colorow Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Rocky Mountain MIRECC, Department of Veterans Affairs, 500 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Gabbay V, Bradley KA, Mao X, Ostrover R, Kang G, Shungu DC. Anterior cingulate cortex γ-aminobutyric acid deficits in youth with depression. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1216. [PMID: 28892070 PMCID: PMC5611750 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormally low γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels have been consistently reported in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Our group extended this finding to adolescents, and documented that GABA deficits were associated with anhedonia. Here we aimed to confirm our prior finding of decreased brain GABA in youth with depression and explore its associations with clinical variables. Forty-four psychotropic medication-free youth with MDD and 36 healthy control (HC) participants (12-21 years) were studied. Participants represent a combined sample of 39 newly recruited youth (MDD=24) and 41 youth from our previously reported study (MDD=20). GABA levels and the combined resonances of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) were measured in vivo in the anterior cingulate cortex using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Youth with depression exhibited significantly lower GABA levels than HC in both the newly reported (P=0.003) and the combined (P=0.003) samples. When depressed participants were classified based on the presence of anhedonia, only the anhedonic MDD subgroup showed reduced GABA levels compared to HC (P=0.002). While there were no associations between any clinical measures and GABA or Glx levels in the new sample, GABA was negatively correlated with only anhedonia severity in the combined MDD group. Furthermore, in the combined sample, hierarchical regression models showed that anhedonia, but not depression severity, anxiety or suicidality, contributed significant variance in GABA levels. This report solidifies the evidence for a GABA deficit early in the course of MDD, which correlates specifically with anhedonia in the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Gabbay
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA,Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA. E-mail:
| | - K A Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - X Mao
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Ostrover
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Kang
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - D C Shungu
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Iqbal Z, Wilson NE, Thomas MA. 3D spatially encoded and accelerated TE-averaged echo planar spectroscopic imaging in healthy human brain. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2016; 29:329-339. [PMID: 26748673 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Several different pathologies, including many neurodegenerative disorders, affect the energy metabolism of the brain. Glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain, can be used as a biomarker to monitor these metabolic processes. One method that is capable of quantifying glutamate concentration reliably in several regions of the brain is TE-averaged (1) H spectroscopic imaging. However, this type of method requires the acquisition of multiple TE lines, resulting in long scan durations. The goal of this experiment was to use non-uniform sampling, compressed sensing reconstruction and an echo planar readout gradient to reduce the scan time by a factor of eight to acquire TE-averaged spectra in three spatial dimensions. Simulation of glutamate and glutamine showed that the 2.2-2.4 ppm spectral region contained 95% glutamate signal using the TE-averaged method. Peak integration of this spectral range and home-developed, prior-knowledge-based fitting were used for quantitation. Gray matter brain phantom measurements were acquired on a Siemens 3 T Trio scanner. Non-uniform sampling was applied retrospectively to these phantom measurements and quantitative results of glutamate with respect to creatine 3.0 (Glu/Cr) ratios showed a coefficient of variance of 16% for peak integration and 9% for peak fitting using eight-fold acceleration. In vivo scans of the human brain were acquired as well and five different brain regions were quantified using the prior-knowledge-based algorithm. Glu/Cr ratios from these regions agreed with previously reported results in the literature. The method described here, called accelerated TE-averaged echo planar spectroscopic imaging (TEA-EPSI), is a significant methodological advancement and may be a useful tool for categorizing glutamate changes in pathologies where affected brain regions are not known a priori. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohaib Iqbal
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - Neil E Wilson
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, USA
| | - M Albert Thomas
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, USA
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Verkhratsky A, Steardo L, Peng L, Parpura V. Astroglia, Glutamatergic Transmission and Psychiatric Diseases. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 13:307-326. [PMID: 27885635 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45096-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are primary homeostatic cells of the central nervous system. They regulate glutamatergic transmission through the removal of glutamate from the extracellular space and by supplying neurons with glutamine. Glutamatergic transmission is generally believed to be significantly impaired in the contexts of all major neuropsychiatric diseases. In most of these neuropsychiatric diseases, astrocytes show signs of degeneration and atrophy, which is likely to be translated into reduced homeostatic capabilities. Astroglial glutamate uptake/release and glutamate homeostasis are affected in all forms of major psychiatric disorders and represent a common mechanism underlying neurotransmission disbalance, aberrant connectome and overall failure on information processing by neuronal networks, which underlie pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48011, Spain.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, 48940, Spain.
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Naples, Italy
| | - Liang Peng
- Laboratory of Metabolic Brain Diseases, Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine, Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, Civitan International Research Center, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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Chiapponi C, Piras F, Piras F, Caltagirone C, Spalletta G. GABA System in Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders: A Mini Review on Third-Generation Imaging Studies. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:61. [PMID: 27148090 PMCID: PMC4835487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Third-generation neuroimaging research has been enriched by advances in magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measuring the concentration of important neurotrasmitters, such as the inhibitory amino acid GABA. Here, we performed a systematic mini-review on brain MRS studies measuring GABA concentration in patients affected by schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). We wondered whether multimodal investigations could overcome intrinsic technical limits of MRS giving a broader view of mental disorders pathogenesis. In SZ, unimodal studies gave mixed results, as increased, decreased, or unaltered GABA levels were reported depending on region, disease phase, and treatment. Conversely, multimodal results showed reduced level of glutamate, but not of GABA, in patients mirrored by in vitro biochemical findings revealing hippocampal reduction in glutamate signaling in SZ, and no deficits in GABA synthesis. Moreover, a mouse model confirmed the unique pathological characteristic of glutamate function in SZ. Unimodal studies in BD revealed again, inconsistent results, while no multimodal investigations including MRS on GABA exist. In MDD, unimodal studies could not differentiate patients from controls nor characterize high-risk subjects and remitted patients. However, a multimodal study combining functional magnetic resonance imaging and MRS revealed that cingulate cortex activity is related to glutamate, N-acetylaspartate levels and anhedonia in patients, and to GABA concentration in healthy subjects, improving the distinction between MDD and physiology. Overall, our results show that unimodal studies do not indicate GABA as a biomarker for the psychiatric disorders considered. Conversely, multimodal studies can widen the understanding of the link between psychopathology, genetics, neuroanatomy, and functional-biochemical brain activity in mental disorders. Although scarce, multimodal approaches seem promising for moving from GABA MRS unimodal-descriptive to causal level, and for integrating GABA results into a more comprehensive interpretation of mental disorder pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Chiapponi
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Piras
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy; Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Beth K. and Stuart C. Yudofsky Division of Neuropsychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Hermens DF, Naismith SL, Chitty KM, Lee RSC, Tickell A, Duffy SL, Paquola C, White D, Hickie IB, Lagopoulos J. Cluster analysis reveals abnormal hippocampal neurometabolic profiles in young people with mood disorders. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:836-45. [PMID: 25795519 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
While numerous studies have employed magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to determine in vivo neurometabolite levels associated with mood disorders the findings in both unipolar depression and bipolar disorder have been mixed. Data-driven studies may shed new light on this literature by identifying distinct subgroups of patients who may benefit from different treatment strategies. The objective of the present study was to utilize hierarchical cluster analysis in order to generate new hypotheses with respect to neurometabolic profiling of mood disorder. Participants were 165 young persons (18-30 yrs) with a mood disorder and 40 healthy controls. Neurometabolite levels were recorded via proton-MRS ((1)H MRS). The ratios (relative to creatine) of glutamate (GLU), N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and myo-inositol (MI) measured within the hippocampus. Self-reported and clinician rated symptoms as well as cognition were also measured. The unipolar depression (N=90) and bipolar disorder (N=75) groups did not significantly differ (from each other or controls) in their levels of GLU, NAA or MI. Cluster analyses derived four subgroups of patients who were distinguished by all three metabolites. There was a pattern of positive association between NAA and GLU, whereby clusters were abnormally increased (clusters 1, 2) or normal (cluster 4) or abnormally decreased (cluster 3) in these neurometabolites. These findings suggest that there are neurometabolic abnormalities in subgroups of young people with mood disorder, which may occur despite diagnostic similarities. Such evidence highlights that the underlying neurobiology of mood disorder is complex and MRS may have unique utility in delineating underlying neurobiology and targeting treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F Hermens
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Sharon L Naismith
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate M Chitty
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Rico S C Lee
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Tickell
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Shantel L Duffy
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Casey Paquola
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Django White
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Ian B Hickie
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Clinical Research Unit, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
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Réus GZ, Carlessi AS, Titus SE, Abelaira HM, Ignácio ZM, da Luz JR, Matias BI, Bruchchen L, Florentino D, Vieira A, Petronilho F, Quevedo J. A single dose of S-ketamine induces long-term antidepressant effects and decreases oxidative stress in adulthood rats following maternal deprivation. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 75:1268-81. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gislaine Z. Réus
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry; Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston Texas
| | - Anelise S. Carlessi
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
| | - Stephanie E. Titus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry; Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston Texas
| | - Helena M. Abelaira
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
| | - Zuleide M. Ignácio
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
| | - Jaine R. da Luz
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
| | - Beatriz I. Matias
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
| | - Livia Bruchchen
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
| | - Drielly Florentino
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina; Tubarão SC Brazil
| | - Andriele Vieira
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina; Tubarão SC Brazil
| | - Fabricia Petronilho
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry; Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston Texas
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina; Tubarão SC Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense; Criciúma SC Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Center for Experimental Models in Psychiatry; Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston Texas
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Kudryashova IV. Neurodegenerative changes in depression: Excitotoxicity or a deficit of trophic factors? NEUROCHEM J+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712415010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Neurochemistry of major depression: a study using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:501-7. [PMID: 25074444 PMCID: PMC4302231 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3687-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an acceptable non-invasive means of studying brain neurochemistry in depression. Previous studies in depressed patients have focused on measurement of the amino acid neurotransmitters, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to use MRS in conjunction with the ultrashort echo time 'SPECIAL' technique to measure cortical levels of GABA, glutamate and glutathione (GSH) levels in unmedicated patients with major depression. We also examined the effect of 6-week treatment with the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, escitalopram. METHODS We studied patients with DSM-IV major depression and healthy age-matched controls using proton MRS. GABA, glutamate and GSH were measured relative to creatine in a voxel placed in occipital cortex. RESULTS There was no difference in GABA or glutamate levels between depressed participants and controls; however, depressed patients had lower GSH levels. Six-week escitalopram treatment, which resulted in significant clinical responses in some patients, did not alter concentrations of GABA, glutamate or GSH. CONCLUSIONS The sources of variability of GABA and glutamate measures in different studies of depressed patients require further study. Our results suggest that concomitant treatment with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is unlikely to be an important confounding factor. If lowered GSH levels can be confirmed, they may represent the presence of oxidative stress in some depressed patients.
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15
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Mannie ZN, Filippini N, Williams C, Near J, Mackay CE, Cowen PJ. Structural and functional imaging of the hippocampus in young people at familial risk of depression. Psychol Med 2014; 44:2939-2948. [PMID: 25066547 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291714000580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depression is associated with abnormalities in the function and structure of the hippocampus. However, it is unclear whether these abnormalities might also be present in people 'at risk' of illness. METHOD We studied 62 young people (mean age 18.8 years) at familial risk of depression (FH+) but who had never been depressed themselves. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to assess hippocampal structure and neural responses to a task designed to activate hippocampal memory networks. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure levels of a combination of glutamine and glutamate (Glx) in the right hippocampus. A total of 59 matched controls with no history of mood disorder in a first-degree relative underwent the same investigations. RESULTS Hippocampal volume did not differ between FH+ participants and controls; however, relative to controls, during the memory task, FH+ participants showed increased activation in brain regions encompassing the insular cortices, putamen and pallidum as well as the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). FH+ participants also had increased hippocampal levels of Glx. CONCLUSIONS Euthymic individuals with a parental history of depression demonstrate increased activation of hippocampal-related neural networks during a memory task, particularly in brain regions involved in processing the salience of stimuli. Changes in the activity of the ACC replicate previous findings in FH+ participants using different psychological tasks; this suggests that task-related abnormalities in the ACC may be a marker of vulnerability to depression. Increased levels of Glx in the hippocampus might also represent a risk biomarker but follow-up studies will be required to test these various possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z N Mannie
- University Department of Psychiatry,Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX,UK
| | - N Filippini
- University Department of Psychiatry,Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX,UK
| | - C Williams
- University Department of Psychiatry,Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX,UK
| | - J Near
- University Department of Psychiatry,Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX,UK
| | - C E Mackay
- University Department of Psychiatry,Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX,UK
| | - P J Cowen
- University Department of Psychiatry,Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX,UK
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MAPK signaling correlates with the antidepressant effects of ketamine. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 55:15-21. [PMID: 24819632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Studies have pointed to a relationship between MAPK kinase (MEK) signaling and the behavioral effects of antidepressant drugs. So, in the present study we examined the behavioral and molecular effects of ketamine, an antagonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA), which has been shown to have an antidepressant effect after the inhibition of MEK signaling in Wistar rats. Our results showed that acute administration of the MEK inhibitor PD184161, produced depressive-like behavior and stopped antidepressant-like effects of ketamine in the forced swimming test. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK 1/2) was decreased by PD184161 in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens, and the effects of ketamine on pERK 1/2 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were inhibited by PD184161. The ERK 2 levels were decreased by PD184161 in the nucleus accumbens; and the effects of ketamine were blocked in this brain area. The p38 protein kinase (p38MAPK) and proBDNF were inhibited by PD184161, and the MEK inhibitor prevented the effects of ketamine in the nucleus accumbens. In addition, ketamine increased pro-BDNF levels in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that an acute blockade of MAPK signaling lead to depressive-like behavior and stopped the antidepressant response of ketamine, suggesting that the effects of ketamine could be mediated, at least in part, by the regulation of MAPK signaling in these specific brain areas.
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Musazzi L, Treccani G, Mallei A, Popoli M. The action of antidepressants on the glutamate system: regulation of glutamate release and glutamate receptors. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 73:1180-8. [PMID: 23273725 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent compelling evidence has suggested that the glutamate system is a primary mediator of psychiatric pathology and also a target for rapid-acting antidepressants. Clinical research in mood and anxiety disorders has shown alterations in levels, clearance, and metabolism of glutamate and consistent volumetric changes in brain areas where glutamate neurons predominate. In parallel, preclinical studies with rodent stress and depression models have found dendritic remodeling and synaptic spines reduction in corresponding areas, suggesting these as major factors in psychopathology. Enhancement of glutamate release/transmission, in turn induced by stress/glucocorticoids, seems crucial for structural/functional changes. Understanding mechanisms of maladaptive plasticity may allow identification of new targets for drugs and therapies. Interestingly, traditional monoaminergic-based antidepressants have been repeatedly shown to interfere with glutamate system function, starting with modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Subsequently, it has been shown that antidepressants reduce glutamate release and synaptic transmission; in particular, it was found antidepressants prevent the acute stress-induced enhancement of glutamate release. Additional studies have shown that antidepressants may partly reverse the maladaptive changes in synapses/circuitry in stress and depression models. Finally, a number of studies over the years have shown that these drugs regulate glutamate receptors, reducing the function of NMDA receptors, potentiating the function of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors, and, more recently, exerting variable effects on different subtypes of metabotropic glutamate receptors. The development of NMDA receptor antagonists has opened new avenues for glutamatergic, rapid acting, antidepressants, while additional targets in the glutamate synapse await development of new compounds for better, faster antidepressant action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics-Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases-CEND, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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18
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Shaw A, Brealy J, Richardson H, Muthukumaraswamy SD, Edden RA, John Evans C, Puts NAJ, Singh KD, Keedwell PA. Marked reductions in visual evoked responses but not γ-aminobutyric acid concentrations or γ-band measures in remitted depression. Biol Psychiatry 2013. [PMID: 23200528 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have consistently demonstrated reduced cortical γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations in individuals with major depression. However, evidence for a persistent deficit during remission, which would suggest that GABA dysfunction is a possible trait marker of depression, is equivocal. Although MRS measures total concentration of GABA, magneto-encephalography provides direct measures of neural activity, with cortical γ oscillations shaped by the activity of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. In this study we investigated whether γ oscillations and GABA concentrations would differ in individuals with remitted depression (RD) compared with never depressed control subjects (ND). METHODS Thirty-seven healthy, unmedicated female volunteers (n = 19 RD, and n = 18 ND) were recruited. The γ oscillation frequencies and amplitudes in the visual cortex, induced by simple grating stimuli, were quantified with time-frequency analyses. Distinct GABA/glutamate + glutamine MRS peaks were resolved from MEGA-PRESS difference spectra in prefrontal, occipital, and subcortical volumes. RESULTS The RD and ND individuals did not differ in the frequency of subclinical depressive symptoms. The ND were slightly older (mean = 23 years vs. 21 years), but age did not correlate with dependent measures. There were no group differences in GABA levels or induced cortical γ measures, but RD individuals had markedly reduced M80 (C1) components of the pattern-onset evoked response (46% reduction, Cohen's d = 1.01, p = .006). CONCLUSIONS Both MRS and magneto-encephalography measures of the GABA system are normal in RD. However, the early visual evoked response is a potential trait marker of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Shaw
- Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neuroimaging has become a central technique of biological psychiatry and is uniquely suited to assess functional and structural brain changes in psychiatric patients in vivo. In this review, we highlight several recent developments that may enable the transition of psychiatric neuroimaging from laboratory to clinic. RECENT FINDINGS We describe recent trends in refining imaging techniques for brain microstructure (diffusion imaging) and neurochemistry (magnetic resonance spectroscopy of neurotransmitters and metabolites) and their application to patients with mood disorders and individuals at risk, such as first-degree relatives. We also survey recent progress in imaging-guided deep brain stimulation (DBS), imaging-based (neurofeedback) therapies and studies looking at their convergent anatomical targets. These new interventional techniques, which aim to modulate brain circuits of emotion and motivation highlighted by functional imaging studies, have shown promising effects in several small studies. SUMMARY The mapping of brain patterns associated with risk to develop mood disorders may pave the way for diagnostic/prognostic applications of neuroimaging. The neuromodulation techniques of DBS and neurofeedback, which target dysfunctional or compensatory circuits identified by functional imaging, may take neuroimaging into a new, therapeutic domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Keedwell
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff University, UK
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Plante
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53719, USA.
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Deletion of glutamate delta-1 receptor in mouse leads to aberrant emotional and social behaviors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32969. [PMID: 22412961 PMCID: PMC3296759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The delta family of ionotropic glutamate receptors consists of glutamate δ1 (GluD1) and glutamate δ2 (GluD2) receptors. While the role of GluD2 in the regulation of cerebellar physiology is well understood, the function of GluD1 in the central nervous system remains elusive. We demonstrate for the first time that deletion of GluD1 leads to abnormal emotional and social behaviors. We found that GluD1 knockout mice (GluD1 KO) were hyperactive, manifested lower anxiety-like behavior, depression-like behavior in a forced swim test and robust aggression in the resident-intruder test. Chronic lithium rescued the depression-like behavior in GluD1 KO. GluD1 KO mice also manifested deficits in social interaction. In the sociability test, GluD1 KO mice spent more time interacting with an inanimate object compared to a conspecific mouse. D-Cycloserine (DCS) administration was able to rescue social interaction deficits observed in GluD1 KO mice. At a molecular level synaptoneurosome preparations revealed lower GluA1 and GluA2 subunit expression in the prefrontal cortex and higher GluA1, GluK2 and PSD95 expression in the amygdala of GluD1 KO. Moreover, DCS normalized the lower GluA1 expression in prefrontal cortex of GluD1 KO. We propose that deletion of GluD1 leads to aberrant circuitry in prefrontal cortex and amygdala owing to its potential role in presynaptic differentiation and synapse formation. Furthermore, these findings are in agreement with the human genetic studies suggesting a strong association of GRID1 gene with several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders and major depressive disorder.
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Wang X, Li YH, Li MH, Lu J, Zhao JG, Sun XJ, Zhang B, Ye JL. Glutamate level detection by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in patients with post-stroke depression. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2012; 262:33-8. [PMID: 21424280 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-011-0209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent studies, the glutamate (Glu) level has been quantified using the modified STEAM sequence on 3T MRI. We enrolled 15 healthy volunteers and a group of 51 patients who experienced stroke for the first time and had a good prognosis. The patients with infarction were divided into three groups according to their scores by using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). We studied the association between post-stroke depression and (1)H-MRS measurements in unaffected frontal lobes. Single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) was performed to assess N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA)/Cr, (Glu)/Cr, choline (Cho)/Cr, and myoinositol (mI)/Cr ratios in stroke patients. The 11 patients (21.5%) who met the criteria for depression and 9 patients (17.6%) who had a high score for HDRS, (>14) but were not depressed, had a significantly higher Glu/Cr ratio than patients who scored ≤14 on HDRS and control groups (p < 0.001). No differences were found in NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, or mI/Cr between the groups after stroke. These findings suggest that post-stroke depression is accompanied by changes in glutamate levels in the frontal lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Wang
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, The Sixth Affiliated People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 600, Yi Shan Road, Shanghai, 200233, China
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Catches JS, Xu J, Contractor A. Genetic ablation of the GluK4 kainate receptor subunit causes anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavior in mice. Behav Brain Res 2011; 228:406-14. [PMID: 22203159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a clear link between dysregulation of glutamatergic signaling and mood disorders. Genetic variants in the glutamate receptor gene GRIK4, which encodes the kainate receptor subunit GluK4, alter the susceptibility for depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Here we demonstrate that Grik4(-/-) mice have reduced anxiety and an antidepressant-like phenotype. In the elevated zero-maze, a test for anxiety and risk taking behavior, Grik4(-/-) mice spent significantly more time exploring the open areas of the maze. In anxiogenic tests of marble-burying and novelty-induced suppression of feeding, anxiety-like behavior was consistently reduced in knockout animals. In the forced swim test, a test of learned helplessness that is used to determine depression-like behavior, knockout mice demonstrated significantly less immobility suggesting that Grik4 ablation has an antidepressant-like effect. Finally, in the sucrose preference test, a test for anhedonia in rodents, Grik4(-/-) mice demonstrated increased sucrose preference. Expression of the GluK4 receptor subunit in the forebrain is restricted to the CA3 region of the hippocampus and dentate gyrus regions where KARs are known to modulate synaptic plasticity. We tested whether Grik4 ablation had effects on mossy fiber (MF) plasticity and found there to be a significant impairment in LTP likely through a loss of KAR modulation of excitability of the presynaptic MF axons. These studies demonstrate a clear anxiolytic and antidepressant phenotype associated with ablation of Grik4 and a parallel disruption in hippocampal plasticity, providing support for the importance of this receptor subunit in mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin S Catches
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Towards a glutamate hypothesis of depression: an emerging frontier of neuropsychopharmacology for mood disorders. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:63-77. [PMID: 21827775 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 718] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Half a century after the first formulation of the monoamine hypothesis, compelling evidence implies that long-term changes in an array of brain areas and circuits mediating complex cognitive-emotional behaviors represent the biological underpinnings of mood/anxiety disorders. A large number of clinical studies suggest that pathophysiology is associated with dysfunction of the predominant glutamatergic system, malfunction in the mechanisms regulating clearance and metabolism of glutamate, and cytoarchitectural/morphological maladaptive changes in a number of brain areas mediating cognitive-emotional behaviors. Concurrently, a wealth of data from animal models have shown that different types of environmental stress enhance glutamate release/transmission in limbic/cortical areas and exert powerful structural effects, inducing dendritic remodeling, reduction of synapses and possibly volumetric reductions resembling those observed in depressed patients. Because a vast majority of neurons and synapses in these areas and circuits use glutamate as neurotransmitter, it would be limiting to maintain that glutamate is in some way 'involved' in mood/anxiety disorders; rather it should be recognized that the glutamatergic system is a primary mediator of psychiatric pathology and, potentially, also a final common pathway for the therapeutic action of antidepressant agents. A paradigm shift from a monoamine hypothesis of depression to a neuroplasticity hypothesis focused on glutamate may represent a substantial advancement in the working hypothesis that drives research for new drugs and therapies. Importantly, despite the availability of multiple classes of drugs with monoamine-based mechanisms of action, there remains a large percentage of patients who fail to achieve a sustained remission of depressive symptoms. The unmet need for improved pharmacotherapies for treatment-resistant depression means there is a large space for the development of new compounds with novel mechanisms of action such as glutamate transmission and related pathways. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Musazzi L, Racagni G, Popoli M. Stress, glucocorticoids and glutamate release: effects of antidepressant drugs. Neurochem Int 2011; 59:138-49. [PMID: 21689704 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2011] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stressful life events impact on memory, cognition and emotional responses, and are known to precipitate mood/anxiety disorders. It is increasingly recognized that stress and its neurochemical and endocrine mediators induce changes in glutamate synapses and circuitry, and this in turn modify mental states. Half a century after the monoamine hypothesis, it is widely accepted that maladaptive changes in excitatory/inhibitory circuitry have a primary role in the pathophysiology of mood/anxiety disorders. The neuroplasticity hypothesis posits that volumetric changes consistently found in limbic and cortical areas of depressed subjects are in good part due to remodeling of neuronal dendritic arbors and loss of synaptic spines. A considerable body of work, carried out with in vivo microdialysis as well as alternative methodologies, has shown that both stress and corticosterone treatment induce enhancement of activity-dependent glutamate release. Accordingly, results from preclinical studies suggest that stress- and glucocorticoid-induced enhancement of glutamate release and transmission plays a main role in the induction of maladaptive cellular effects, in turn responsible for dendritic remodeling. Additional recent work has showed that drugs employed for therapy of mood/anxiety disorders (antidepressants) prevent the enhancement of glutamate release induced by stress. Understanding the action of traditional drugs on glutamate transmission could be of great help in developing drugs that may work directly at this level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- Center of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milano, Italy
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