Monoamines, BDNF, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA-Sulfate, and childhood depression - An animal model study

O. Malkesman, Telad Asaf, L. Shbiro, A. Goldstein, R. Maayan, A. Weizman, N. Kinor, E. Okun, B. Sredni, G. Yadid, A. Weller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Basal levels of monoamines and DHEA in four main limbic brain regions were measured in prepubertal Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (a putative animal model of childhood depression). Basal levels of "Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)" were also determined in two regions in the hippocampus, compared with Wistar strain controls. In the second phase, we examined the responsiveness of prepubertal WKY rats to different types of chronic antidepressant treatments: Fluoxetine, Desipramine, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). WKY prepubertal rats exhibited different monoamine levels in the limbic system, reduced DHEA levels in the VTA and lower levels of BDNF in the hippocampus CA3 region compared to controls. In prepubertal WKY rats, only treatment with DHEAS produced a statistically significant decrease in immobility, compared to saline-administered controls in the forced swim test. Wistar controls were not affected by any antidepressant. The results imply that DHEA(S) and BDNF may be involved in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of childhood depression.

Original languageEnglish
Article number405107
JournalAdvances in Pharmacological Sciences
Volume2009
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Monoamines, BDNF, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA-Sulfate, and childhood depression - An animal model study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this