Dynamics of the dopaminergic system as a key component to the understanding of depression

Gal Yadid, Alexander Friedman

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

144 Scopus citations

Abstract

For decades, clinical treatment of depression has usually involved antidepressants that target noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Over the past half century, no genuinely ground-breaking progress has been made in the pharmacological development of antidepressant drugs. Dopaminergic mesolimbic and mesocortical systems are involved in hedonia and motivation, two core symptoms of depression. However, their role in the pathophysiology of depression and their manipulation to treat depression has received little attention. Recent findings indicate the potential usefulness of monitoring limbic dopaminergic dynamics in combination with mathematical analysis. In this chapter comprehensive review of data from animal models, genetics, neuroimaging and human clinical trials that strengthen the case for dopaminergic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of major depression. This chapter focuses on recent convergence of data describing the fluctuation in activity of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, and discusses its crucial role in manifestation of depressive-like behavior. Decoding the functionality of the dopaminergic system is important to the understanding of depression and the development of future efficient antidepressant treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSerotonin-Dopamine Interaction
Subtitle of host publicationExperimental Evidence and Therapeutic Relevance
EditorsGiuseppe Di Giovann, Vincenzo Di Matteo, Ennio Esposito
Pages265-286
Number of pages22
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008

Publication series

NameProgress in Brain Research
Volume172
ISSN (Print)0079-6123

Keywords

  • cellular activity
  • depressive behaviour
  • dopamine
  • nucleus accumbens
  • ventral tegmental area

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