Antiglucocorticoids, neurogenesis and depression

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Feb;9(2):249-64. doi: 10.2174/138955709787316001.

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that antiglucocorticoids, like conventional antidepressants, may recover depressive symptoms by boosting hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we explore several possible antiglucocorticoid-based antidepressive therapeutic strategies. Firstly, we review specific glucocorticoid receptor/antagonist interactions. Secondly, we discuss a potential new therapeutic target, doublecortin-like kinase, which regulates glucocorticoid signaling in neuronal progenitor cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Depression / metabolism*
  • Glucocorticoids / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology
  • Models, Molecular
  • Nerve Tissue / growth & development*
  • Receptors, Glucocorticoid / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / metabolism
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Receptors, Glucocorticoid