![conference banner](/images/conference-banner.jpeg)
Abstract
Over the past five decades, the pharmacological treatment of depression has been based on the pathophysiological hypothesis of a deficiency in monoamines, mainly serotonin and noradrenaline. Antidepressants prescribed today, all of them designed to enhance central monoaminergic tone, present several important limitations, including a 2-5 weeks response lag and also a limited clinical efficacy. As it is increasingly evident that the abnormalities associated to depression go beyond monoamines, the development of better antidepressants will depend on the identification and understanding of new cellular targets. In this regard, much evidence supports a role for cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity, including neurotrophic inputs, in mood disorders, in parallel with the biological features associated to stress conditions. In order to illustrate the possible relevance of neuroplasticity-related pathways for the therapy of depressive states, we here review the biological evidence supporting some therapeutic strategies in a very initial phase of development (modulation of the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway, potentiation of endocannabinoid activity, agonism of 5-HT4 receptors), which involve modulation of downstream mechanisms and neuroplasticity circuits. These strategies also show the existence of mixed mechanisms of action, constituting a nexus between the “classic” aminergic theory and the “new” neuroplasticity hypothesis.
Keywords: Antidepressant, stress, neuroplasticity, endocannabinoid, 5-HT4 receptors
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title: New Strategies in the Development of Antidepressants: Towards the Modulation of Neuroplasticity Pathways
Volume: 17 Issue: 5
Author(s): Rebeca Vidal, Fuencisla Pilar-Cuellar, Severiano dos Anjos, Raquel Linge, Begona Treceno, Veronica Ines Vargas, Antonio Rodriguez-Gaztelumendi, Ricardo Mostany, Elena Castro, Alvaro Diaz, Elsa M. Valdizan and Angel Pazos
Affiliation:
Keywords: Antidepressant, stress, neuroplasticity, endocannabinoid, 5-HT4 receptors
Abstract: Over the past five decades, the pharmacological treatment of depression has been based on the pathophysiological hypothesis of a deficiency in monoamines, mainly serotonin and noradrenaline. Antidepressants prescribed today, all of them designed to enhance central monoaminergic tone, present several important limitations, including a 2-5 weeks response lag and also a limited clinical efficacy. As it is increasingly evident that the abnormalities associated to depression go beyond monoamines, the development of better antidepressants will depend on the identification and understanding of new cellular targets. In this regard, much evidence supports a role for cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity, including neurotrophic inputs, in mood disorders, in parallel with the biological features associated to stress conditions. In order to illustrate the possible relevance of neuroplasticity-related pathways for the therapy of depressive states, we here review the biological evidence supporting some therapeutic strategies in a very initial phase of development (modulation of the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway, potentiation of endocannabinoid activity, agonism of 5-HT4 receptors), which involve modulation of downstream mechanisms and neuroplasticity circuits. These strategies also show the existence of mixed mechanisms of action, constituting a nexus between the “classic” aminergic theory and the “new” neuroplasticity hypothesis.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Vidal Rebeca, Pilar-Cuellar Fuencisla, dos Anjos Severiano, Linge Raquel, Treceno Begona, Ines Vargas Veronica, Rodriguez-Gaztelumendi Antonio, Mostany Ricardo, Castro Elena, Diaz Alvaro, M. Valdizan Elsa and Pazos Angel, New Strategies in the Development of Antidepressants: Towards the Modulation of Neuroplasticity Pathways, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2011; 17 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161211795164086
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161211795164086 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Blood-based biomarkers in large-scale screening for neurodegenerative diseases
Disease biomarkers are necessary tools that can be employ in several clinical context of use (COU), ranging from the (early) diagnosis, prognosis, prediction, to monitor of disease state and/or drug efficacy. Regarding neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a battery of well-validated biomarkers are available, such as cerebrospinal fluid ...read more
Current Pharmaceutical challenges in the treatment and diagnosis of neurological dysfunctions
Neurological dysfunctions (MND, ALS, MS, PD, AD, HD, ALS, Autism, OCD etc..) present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment, often necessitating innovative approaches and therapeutic interventions. This thematic issue aims to explore the current pharmaceutical landscape surrounding neurological disorders, shedding light on the challenges faced by researchers, clinicians, and ...read more
Diabetes mellitus: advances in diagnosis and treatment driving by precision medicine
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic degenerative metabolic disease with ever increasing prevalence worldwide which is now an epidemic disease affecting 500 million people worldwide. Insufficient insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells unable to maintain blood glucose homeostasis is the main feature of this disease. Multifactorial and complex nature of ...read more
Emerging and re-emerging diseases
Faced with a possible endemic situation of COVID-19, the world has experienced two important phenomena, the emergence of new infectious diseases and/or the resurgence of previously eradicated infectious diseases. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of such diseases has also undergone changes. This context, in turn, may have a strong relationship with ...read more
![Wayfinder Image](/images/wayfinder.jpg)
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Endocannabinoids: A New Family of Lipid Mediators Involved in the Regulation of Neural Cell Development
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Role of Resveratrol in Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Current Research
Current Functional Foods Implication of Oncogenic Signaling Pathways as a Treatment Strategy for Neurodegenerative Disorders – Contemporary Approaches
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets HIV-1 Tat Disrupts CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Axis in Microglia via the NF-κBYY1 Pathway
Current HIV Research Current Progress in Molecular Responses to Acidosis in the Central Nervous System
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Central Nervous System Agents Insulin Resistance and Alzheimers Disease Pathogenesis: Potential Mechanisms and Implications for Treatment
Current Alzheimer Research Nicotine, Lung and Cancer
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Engineering Antibodies for Therapy
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Emerging Role of NF-κB in the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Current Signal Transduction Therapy Anti-Cancer Activity of Nitrones and Observations on Mechanism of Action
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Model Systems for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases: Paradigms of Anthrax and Tuberculosis
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Chemometric Modeling of 5-Phenylthiophenecarboxylic Acid Derivatives as Anti-Rheumatic Agents
Current Computer-Aided Drug Design Effect of Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein Binding on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Current Drug Metabolism Evaluation of Vancoplus Versus Ceftriaxone Against Cephalosporin Resistance MRSA Strain in Experimental Meningitis Model
Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets Antiangiogenic Therapy for High-Grade Gliomas
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets A Combination of Ulinastatin and Xuebijing Amplifies Neuroprotection after Transient Cerebral Ischemia via Attenuating Apoptosis Signal Pathways in Hippocampus
Current Pharmaceutical Design Mesenchymal Stem Cells Neuronal Differentiation Ability: A Real Perspective for Nervous System Repair?
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Natural Coumarins as a Novel Class of Neuroprotective Agents
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Kynurenines and PACAP in Migraine: Medicinal Chemistry and Pathogenetic Aspects
Current Medicinal Chemistry Iron Chelators as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Parkinsons Disease
Current Bioactive Compounds