Astroglial Serotonin Receptors as the Central Target of Classic Antidepressants

Alexei Verkhratsky, Vladimir Parpura, Caterina Scuderi, Baoman Li*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) presents multiple clinical phenotypes and has complex underlying pathological mechanisms. Existing theories cannot completely explain the pathophysiological mechanism(s) of MDD, while the pharmacology of current antidepressants is far from being fully understood. Astrocytes, the homeostatic and defensive cells of the central nervous system, contribute to shaping behaviors, and regulating mood and emotions. A detailed introduction on the role of astrocytes in depressive disorders is thus required, to which this chapter is dedicated. We also focus on the interactions between classic antidepressants and serotonin receptors, overview the role of astrocytes in the pharmacological mechanisms of various antidepressants, and present astrocytes as targets for the treatment of bipolar disorder. We provide a foundation of knowledge on the role of astrocytes in depressive disorders and astroglial 5-HT2B receptors as targets for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in vivo and in vitro.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Neurobiology
PublisherSpringer Japan
Pages317-347
Number of pages31
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Publication series

NameAdvances in Neurobiology
Volume26
ISSN (Print)2190-5215
ISSN (Electronic)2190-5223

Keywords

  • 5-HT receptors
  • Astrocytes
  • Fluoxetine
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

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