Neurobiology of Depression

ISBN-13: 9781439838495 / Angielski / Twarda / 2011 / 526 str.

Francisco Lopez-Munoz; Cecilio Alamo

Opis

Major depressive disorders have recently been associated with impairments in signaling pathways that regulate neuroplasticity and cell survival. Agents designed to directly target molecules in these pathways hold promise as new therapeutics for depression. With the collaboration of the most prestigious international specialists in biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics, psychiatry, psychology, and pharmacology, Neurobiology of Depression discusses the nature of the central nervous system circuits responsible for the modifications of neuronal functioning that lead to depression. The book begins by discussing animal, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological models of depression as well as neural foundations. It explores genetic factors that contribute to depression and describes the effect of monoaminergic systems in the central nervous system. Next, the book profiles the rise of psychopharmacology in the treatment of depression and the research into serotonin and monoamine reuptake inhibitors. It examines the role of the glutamatergic, endocannabinoid, and opioid systems in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, as well as the effect of biological rhythms on the human body. Later chapters review the role of CRF-related ligands, CRF receptors, HPA axis activity, and glucocorticoid receptors in the regulation of the stress response and depression. They also describe cytokine modulation of molecular mechanisms. They examine the role of neuropeptide Y, nitric oxide, beta-arrestins, BDNF, and phosphodiesterases, and discuss the use of tachykinin antagonists in treatment. Finally, they analyze the neurobiological basis for the development of new antidepressant agents. Exploring myriad aspects of a disease that plagues a large percentage of the population worldwide, this volume captures the state of the science of this debilitating disorder, facilitating further research and discovery.

Spis treści

Animal Models of Depression. Neurophysiological and Neuropsychological Models of Depression. Neural Foundations of Major Depression: Classical Approaches and New Frontiers. Genetic Regulation of Emotion Brain Circuitries. Development of Brain Monoaminergic Systems. Contribution of Pharmacology to Development of Monoaminergic Hypotheses of Depression. Serotonergic Pathways in Depression. Noradrenergic System in Depression. Glutamatergic System and Mood Disorders. Role of the Endocannabinoid System in Etiopathology of Major Depression. Opioid System and Depression. Chronobiological Rhythms, Melatonergic System, and Depression. Corticotropin-Releasing Factor and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis Regulation of Behavioral Stress Response and Depression. Depression and Cytokine-Regulated Pathways. Tachykinins and Tachykinin Receptor Antagonists in Depression: Therapeutic Implications. Role of Neuropeptide Y in Depression: Current Status. Nitric Oxide Signaling in Depression and Antidepressant Action. Beta-Arrestins in Depression: A Molecular Switch from Signal Desensitization to Alternative Intracellular Adaptor Functions. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Major Depression. Role of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases in Depression and Antidepressant Activity. Vascular Depression: A Neuropsychological Perspective. Neurobiological Basis for Development of New Antidepressant Agents. Index.