Neurogenesis and depression: etiology or epiphenomenon?
The concept that decreased neurogenesis might be the cause of depression is supported by the effects of stress on neurogenesis and the demonstration that neurogenesis seems to be necessary for antidepressant action. Data from the animal models tested to date show that decreasing the rate of neurogenesis does not lead to depressive behavior. Furthermore, evidence shows that an effective treatment for depression, transcranial magnetic stimulation, does not alter rates of neurogenesis. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that neurogenesis might play a subtle role in depression but that it is not the primary factor in the final common pathway leading to depression.
Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany.
Fritz A
FA
Henn
Barbara
B
Vollmayr
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000473:pathology*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents