Stress-induced plasticity of monoamine axons

Front Biosci. 2006 May 1:11:1794-801. doi: 10.2741/1923.

Abstract

Central serotonergic (5-HT) and noradrenergic (NA) neurons, which innervate the same regions of the brain, are known to play a crucial role in emotion and mood. These monoamine neurons have a great capacity to alter axonal morphology in response to repeated stress. The morphological responses of 5-HT and NA axons to repeated stress are different, and they sometimes even demonstrate opposite responses (namely, either sprouting or degeneration). Moreover, a morphological interaction also occurs between 5-HT and NA axons during axonal regeneration. This review describes the differential features of axonal plasticity of 5-HT and NA neurons in relation to stress, and discusses the possible roles that the morphological plasticity of 5-HT and NA axons may play in the pathophysiology of depression.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amines / chemistry*
  • Antidepressive Agents / pharmacology
  • Axons / metabolism*
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / pathology
  • Depressive Disorder / pathology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism
  • Nerve Regeneration
  • Neuronal Plasticity
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Norepinephrine / metabolism
  • Receptors, Adrenergic / metabolism
  • Serotonin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Receptors, Adrenergic
  • Serotonin
  • Norepinephrine