Project Summary

Jaideep Kapur, M.D., Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2002) of University of Virginia, will examine the mechanism of action of pregnenolone sulfate (PS), which is one of the most abundant neurosteroids in the brain.  Neurosteroids mediate many of the central nervous system effects of steroid hormones and are believed to play a role in anxiety, learning and memory.  Patients with anxiety disorders have low circulating PS levels and PS can relieve anxiety in rat models.  Dr. Kapur believes that PS acts on 1 receptors on GABAergic neurons and diminishes release of GABA, which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.  A better understanding of the mechanism of action of PS could lead to identification of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Mood Disorders/Anxiety Disorders

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