Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Targeting specific cells may help treat depression
By Staff Writer
Hyperactive cells that were identified in a region of the brain in a recent animal study may provide a new target for depression treatment.
The brain circuit identified was shown to mediate depression and trigger a constant disappointment signal through the brain's reward center. This research was conducted by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
These scientists believe that the inhibition of the brain region, known as the lateral habenula, may be able to reverse certain behaviors associated with depression.
To examine the sensitivity of the cells located in the lateral habenula, the scientists used two animal models of learned helplessness, which is a form of depression.
It was found that these cells were more hyperactive in the depressed animals, as opposed to those used for the control. In addition, activity in the lateral habenula depended on the degree of helplessness the animals felt.
Based on these findings, the scientists believe that depression might be reduced by genetically or pharmacologically targeting the cells in this area of the brain. In addition, the research may lead to the use of lateral habenula-targeted deep brain stimulation treatments at mental health and drug rehab facilities.
