Roles of glutamate signaling in preclinical and/or mechanistic models of depression

Accumulating evidence suggests that the glutamatergic system plays important roles in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Abnormalities in the glutamatergic system are definitely observed in this disorder, and certain glutamatergic agents exhibit antidepressant effects in patients with MDD. In this review, we summarize the preclinical findings suggesting the involvement of glutamate signaling in the pathophysiology and treatment of MDD. Preclinical animal models for depression are often characterized by changes in molecules related to glutamatergic signaling. Some antidepressants exert their effects by affecting glutamatergic system components in animals. Animals with genetically modified glutamatergic function exhibit depression-like behaviors or anti-depressive behavior. In addition, several types of glutamatergic agents have shown antidepressant-like effects in preclinical models for depression. Many types of glutamate receptors (NMDA, AMPA, and metabotropic glutamate receptors) or transporters appear to be involved in the etiology of depression or in the mechanisms of action of antidepressants. These functional proteins related to glutamate signal transduction are potential targets for a new generation of antidepressants with fast-onset effects, such as the NMDA antagonist ketamine.

Research highlights
► Animal models for depression are accompanied by changes in glutamatergic system.
► Some antidepressant treatments affect glutamatergic system in animals.
► Genetically modified animals exhibit depression-like or anti-depressive behavior.
► Some glutamatergic agents exhibit antidepressant effects in animal models.