Top > Research results > Elucidation of the exact reason why antidepressants work, the role of glial cells Yamanashi University, etc.

2018/6/17

Elucidation of the exact reason why antidepressants work, the role of glial cells Yamanashi University, etc.

University Journal Online Editorial Department

　A research group led by Professor Shuichi Koizumi of the University of Yamanashi discovered that a drug for treating depression acts on a new target cell "astrocyte" other than nerve cells and exerts a therapeutic effect.Keio University and Okayama University cooperated in the research.

　Until now, it has been taken for granted that "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)", which are frequently used as therapeutic agents for depression, act on nerve cells and exert their therapeutic effects.However, there were many unclear points about the function of the depression treatment drug, such as the time it took for the therapeutic effect to appear, the effect was insufficient, and the side effects were plagued.It was necessary to accurately understand the events related to the recovery of depression and to establish new treatment strategies and treatment methods.

　In addition to nerve cells, there is a group of cells called glial cells in the brain, and astrocytes, which are a type of glial cells that physically support and supply nerve cells, also affect nerve transmission and brain function in recent years. Has been shown to exert.The research group focused on this cell.

　This time, the research team analyzed in detail the effect of fluoxetine on astrocytes among SSRIs, which are typical treatments for depression, by experiments using mice.As a result, SSRI, which was previously explained only by its action on nerve cells, actually acts on astrocytes, which are the supporting cells of nerve tissue, and "brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)" in astrocytes. We have elucidated that the mechanism of growth factor production called "" is important as a previously unknown mechanism of action in existing therapeutic agents for depression.

　In the future, the company plans to develop drugs for depression from the perspective of astrocytes by finding drugs that focus on the therapeutic effects of astrocytes on depression.

Paper information:[EBioMedicine] Anti-depressant fluoxetine reveals its therapeutic effect via astrocytes

Keio University

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Okayama University

Promote the creation of an environment and system that can fly as a practitioner who can play an active role globally

A national university with 150 faculties, 10 graduate schools, and 7 research institutes, which is about 4 years old.Based on the results of advanced research activities, we can cultivate the ability of students to participate in "creation of knowledge" independently, and foster a rich humanity through close dialogues and discussions between students and faculty members. In a wide range of fields both domestically and internationally […]

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Yamanashi University

Fostering next-generation researchers and leaders who will play an active role in each field, which will be the "core of the region" in knowledge and technology.

The roots of Yamanashi University are in the "Kitenkan", a school of the Edo Shogunate, which was established in 1796. Inheriting the tradition of "knowledge" for more than 200 years, we provide society with a place of learning that will satisfy each and every one of us.With abundant humanity and ethics, with a wide range of knowledge and deep expertise, next-generation researchers and each […]

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