Neurogenic factors are targets in depression

The confirmation that neurogenesis occurs in the adult brain and neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in the adult central nervous system (CNS) opens new avenues for our understanding of the physio- and pathology of the nervous system, as well as for therapy. Reports show that stress and antidepressants modulate neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, and that the activity of antidepressants is mediated by adult neurogenesis. The mechanisms underlying the involvement of adult neurogenesis in depression and the activity of antidepressants might be mediated by trophic factors and cytokines. Hence, trophic factors, cytokines and their signaling pathways are potential targets in depression, and offer new opportunities to treat this disorder.

Section editor:Leslie Iversen – Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, UK