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CNS Drugs
Published in: CNS Drugs 1/2010

01-01-2010 | Leading Article

Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Aetiology of Depression

Implications for Pharmacological Treatment

Authors: Dr Eero Castrén, Tomi Rantamäki

Published in: CNS Drugs | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a critical mediator of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity in the cerebral cortex. Deficits in neurotrophic factors have been proposed to underlie mood disorders. However, recent evidence suggests that mood disorders may be produced by abnormalities in the adaptation of neural networks to environmental conditions. Antidepressants may act by enhancing neuronal plasticity, which allows environmental inputs to modify the neuronal networks to better fine tune the individual to the outside world. Recent observations in the visual cortex directly support this idea. According to the network hypothesis of depression, changes in the levels of neurotrophins including BDNF may not directly produce depression or an antidepressant effect, but neurotrophins may act as critical tools in the process whereby environmental conditions guide neuronal networks to better adapt to the environment. This hypothesis suggests that antidepressant drugs should not be used alone but should always be combined with rehabilitation to guide the plastic networks within the brain.
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Metadata
Title
Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Aetiology of Depression
Implications for Pharmacological Treatment
Authors
Dr Eero Castrén
Tomi Rantamäki
Publication date
01-01-2010
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
CNS Drugs / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11530010-000000000-00000

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