Specific inhibitory neurons in the prefrontal cortex appear to become persistently activated following acute stress. The findings may pave the way for the creation of more targeted therapeutics for stress.
Hippocampal HCN channels are more highly expressed in people with major depressive disorder. Antidepressants that increase cAMP signaling interfere with TRIP8b's ability to bind to HCN channels, helping to restore cognitive ability in those with MDD.
An increased white blood cell count has been linked to increased depression polygenic scores. The findings highlight the importance of the immune system in the development and severity of depression.
Ketamine's rapid antidepressant action is due to specific synaptic effects, researchers report.
A new study finds dopamine increases responses to stressful stimuli, not just pleasurable ones. The findings could have implications for the treatment of mental health disorders and addiction.
White matter functional connectivity distributions may contribute to working memory and processing speed impairments in schizophrenia.
In the absence of neural activity, BDNF expression can still be activated. The findings shed light on how therapeutic ketamine used has an antidepressant effect and how it works in both the long and short term.
Researchers have identified a circuit within the brain that may be responsible for respiratory dysfunction and sudden death associated with Dravet syndrome.
The MeCP2 gene influences ketamine's behavioral effect and strengthens synapses, leading to an improvement in the drug's antidepressant effect over time.
A group of neurons located in the basal ganglia appears to play a vital role in cognitive flexibility.
Object and facial recognition abilities are associated with the same brain area but are characterized by different depths of cortical layers, which form at the age each ability was acquired.
A naturally occurring molecule produced by the brain activates endocannabinoid receptors, protecting against stress by reducing anxiety-producing connections between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. The findings may help explain why people turn to marijuana when they feel anxious or stressed.
