Sphingolipids in Major Depression
Jernigan PL, Hoehn RS, Grassmé H, Edwards MJ, Müller CP, Kornhuber J, Gulbins E (2015)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2015
Journal
Book Volume: 23
Pages Range: 49-58
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1159/000442603
Abstract
Major depression is one of the most common and severe diseases affecting the world's population. However, the pathogenesis of the disease remains inadequately defined. Previously, a lack of monoaminergic neurotransmitters was the focus of pathophysiological concepts; however, recent concepts focus on a alteration of neurogenesis in the hippocampus. This concept suggests that neurogenesis is decreased in major depression with a rarefication of neuronal networks and a lack of new, immature neurons in the hippocampus, events that may result in the clinical symptoms of major depression. However, molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis of major depression and, in particular, a reduction of neurogenesis, are largely unknown. We have recently discovered that an inhibition of the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system mediates the effects of tri- and tetracyclic antidepressants. Moreover, an accumulation of ceramide in the hippocampus results in depression-like symptoms. This suggests the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system is very important in the pathogenesis of major depression.
Authors with CRIS profile
Peter Christian Müller
Professur für Suchtmedizin
Johannes Kornhuber
Lehrstuhl für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
Involved external institutions
United States (USA) (US)
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Jernigan, P.L., Hoehn, R.S., Grassmé, H., Edwards, M.J., Müller, C.P., Kornhuber, J., & Gulbins, E. (2015). Sphingolipids in Major Depression. Neurosignals, 23(1), 49-58. https://doi.org/10.1159/000442603
MLA:
Jernigan, Peter L., et al. "Sphingolipids in Major Depression." Neurosignals 23.1 (2015): 49-58.
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