The role of glutamatergic, GABA-ergic, and cholinergic receptors in depression and antidepressant-like effect

Pharmacol Rep. 2016 Apr;68(2):443-50. doi: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Oct 31.

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders and social issue worldwide. Although there are many antidepressants available, the effectiveness of the therapy is still a serious issue. Moreover, there are many limitations of currently used antidepressants, including slow onset of action, numerous side effects, or the fact that many patients do not respond adequately to the treatment. Therefore, scientists are searching for new compounds with different mechanisms of action. Numerous data indicate the important role of glutamatergic, GABA-ergic, and cholinergic receptors in the pathomechanism of major depressive disorder. This review presents the role of glutamatergic, GABA-ergic, and cholinergic receptors in depression and antidepressant-like effect.

Keywords: Animal studies; Antidepressant-like effect; Cholinergic receptors; GABA-ergic receptors; Glutamatergic receptors.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antidepressive Agents / metabolism*
  • Depression / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / metabolism*
  • Receptors, GABA / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Glutamate / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Receptors, GABA
  • Receptors, Glutamate