Neuroendocrine insights into neurosteroid therapy for postpartum depression

Trends Mol Med. 2023 Dec;29(12):979-982. doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.006. Epub 2023 Aug 2.

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is associated with a decline in progesterone-derived anxiolytic-antidepressant neurosteroids after delivery. Neurosteroid replacement therapy (NRT) with GABA-A receptor-modulating allopregnanolone (brexanolone) shows promise as the first drug treatment for PPD. Here we describe the molecular insights of the neurosteroid approach for rapid relief of PPD symptoms compared with traditional antidepressants.

Keywords: GABA-A receptor; allopregnanolone; brexanolone; depression; neurosteroid; tonic inhibition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Depression, Postpartum* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neurosteroids* / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, GABA-A

Substances

  • Neurosteroids
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Receptors, GABA-A