Acid-sensing ion channel-1a in the amygdala, a novel therapeutic target in depression-related behavior
by
Coryell MW, Wunsch AM, Haenfler JM, Allen JE, Schnizler M, Ziemann AE,
Cook MN, Dunning JP, Price MP, Rainier JD,
Liu Z, Light AR, Langbehn DR, Wemmie JA.
Neuroscience Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
J Neurosci. 2009 Apr 29;29(17):5381-8.

ABSTRACT

No animal models replicate the complexity of human depression. However, a number of behavioral tests in rodents are sensitive to antidepressants and may thus tap important underlying biological factors. Such models may also offer the best opportunity to discover novel treatments. Here, we used several of these models to test the hypothesis that the acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a) might be targeted to reduce depression. Genetically disrupting ASIC1a in mice produced antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test, the tail suspension test, and following unpredictable mild stress. Pharmacologically inhibiting ASIC1a also had antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. The effects of ASIC1a disruption in the forced swim test were independent of and additive to those of several commonly used antidepressants. Furthermore, ASIC1a disruption interfered with an important biochemical marker of depression, the ability of stress to reduce BDNF in the hippocampus. Restoring ASIC1a to the amygdala of ASIC1a(-/-) mice with a viral vector reversed the forced swim test effects, suggesting that the amygdala is a key site of ASIC1a action in depression-related behavior. These data are consistent with clinical studies emphasizing the importance of the amygdala in mood regulation, and suggest that ASIC1a antagonists may effectively combat depression.

SSRIs
RIMAs
ASCI1a
Options
Bupropion
Amineptine
Reboxetine
Nefazodone
Mirtazapine
Venlafaxine
Agomelatine
21st Century
Antidepressants
Tranylcypromine
Atypical depression
Retarded depression
The monoamine hypothesis
Old and new antidepressants
Types of depression and mood-disorder
Are 'broad spectrum' antidepressants best?
An historical analysis of the creation of the concept of an antidepressant

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family