Regulation of GAP-43 expression by chronic desipramine
treatment in rat cultured hippocampal cells
by
Chen B, Wang JF, Sun X, Young LT.
Department of Psychiatry,
McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
Biol Psychiatry 2003 Mar 15;53(6):530-7

ABSTRACT

The importance of molecular and cellular changes in hippocampus in major depression and in the mechanism of action of antidepressants has become increasingly clear. Identification of novel targets for antidepressants in hippocampus is important to understanding their therapeutic effects.We used cDNA microarray to measure the expression patterns of multiple genes in primary cultured rat hippocampal cells. In situ hybridization and Northern and immunoblotting analysis were used to determine brain regional distribution and mRNA and protein levels of target genes.After comparing hybridized signals between control and desipramine treated groups, we found that chronic treatment with desipramine increased the expression of six genes and decreased the expression of two genes. One of the upregulated genes is growth associated protein GAP-43. In situ hybridization revealed that desipramine increased GAP-43 gene expression in dentate gyrus but not other brain regions. Northern and immunoblotting analysis revealed that desipramine increased GAP-43 mRNA and protein levels. GAP-43 expression is also increased by another antidepressant, tranylcypromine, but not by lithium or haloperidol.Because GAP-43 regulates growth of axons and modulates the formation of new connections, our findings suggest that desipramine may have an effect on neuronal plasticity in the central nervous system.

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Maprotiline
Imipramine
Desipramine
SSRIs v TCAs
TCA mechanisms
Atypical depression
Desipramine/5-HT2
Retarded depression
Hippocampal remdelling
Selectivity or multiplicity?
Noradrenaline and dopamine
The hippocampus in depression
ECT, melancholia and hippocampal neogenesis
Depression, antidepressants and the hippocampus
Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane) and mu-opioid receptors
Desipramine and the postsynaptic alpha-2 adrenergic receptors

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