Title:Astrocytes and Gliotransmitters: New Players in the Treatment of Major Depression?
Volume: 14
Issue: 11
Author(s): Adeline Etiévant, Laura Lambás-Señas, Hélène Scarna, Guillaume Lucas and Nasser Haddjeri
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Antidepressants, astrocytes, DBS, gliotransmission, tripartite synapse.
Abstract: With a lifetime prevalence of more than 16% worldwide, major depressive disorder is one of the most common
psychiatric disorders. Only one third of patients experience a complete therapeutic improvement with the use of current
antidepressant drugs, with a therapeutic effect appearing only after several weeks of treatment. Hence, a better understanding
of the mechanisms of action of current antidepressant treatments is needed to ultimately identify new targets and
enhance beneficial effects. Given the intimate relationships between astrocytes and neurons at synapses and the ability of
astrocytes to “sense” neuronal communication and release gliotransmitters, an attractive hypothesis is emerging stating
that the effects of antidepressants on brain function could be, at least in part, mediated by direct influences of astrocytes
on neuronal networks. This review aims at highlighting the involvement of astrocytes and gliotransmission in the antidepressant
effects of both non- and pharmacological therapies.
