Glutamatergic NMDA Receptor as Therapeutic Target for Depression

Publication date: Available online 17 December 2015 Source:Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology Author(s): Gislaine Z. Réus, Helena M. Abelaira, Talita Tuon, Stephanie E. Titus, Zuleide M. Ignácio, Ana Lúcia S. Rodrigues, João Quevedo Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 121 million individuals globally and poses a significant burden to the healthcare system. Around 50–60% of patients with MDD respond adequately to existing treatments that are primarily based on a monoaminergic system. However, the neurobiology of MDD has not been fully elucidated; therefore, it is possible that other biochemical alterations are involved. The glutamatergic system and its associated receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. In fact, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a glutamate receptor, is a binding or modulation site for both classical antidepressants and new fast-acting antidepressants. Thus, this review aims to present evidence describing the effect of antidepressants that modulate NMDA receptors and the mechanisms that contribute to the antidepressant response.
Source: Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research