title: Long-term adaptive changes induced by serotonergic antidepressant drugs.
abstract: The development of conventional antidepressants has been largely based on the hypothesis of monoaminergic dysfunctions and focuses particularly on the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system. Hence, various classes of antidepressant treatments enhance 5-HT neurotransmission with a time course consistent with their delayed therapeutic effect. This delayed onset appears to be associated with the gradual development of specific adaptive changes of functional 5-HT receptors. However, recent theories suggest that major depressive disorders may be associated with impairments of functional plasticity and cellular flexibility. This review discusses several physiological mechanisms by which 5-HT function and hippocampal neuroplasticity are regulated. Knowledge of these long-term adaptations will increase not only our understanding of pathological processes underlying affective disorders, but could also lead to the development of new strategies to treat these devastating illnesses.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Neuropharmacologie et Neurochimie, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, EA-512, 8, Avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France. cfaure@sante.univ-lyon1.fr
authors.forename: Céline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faure
authors.forename: Ouissame
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mnie-Filali
authors.forename: Nasser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haddjeri
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D005104:Expert Testimony; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D018490:Serotonin Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018490:Serotonin Agents; D012701:Serotonin