Project Summary

Steven F. Kendell, M.D. (Young Investigator 2005) of the Connecticut Mental Health Center and Yale University, plans to study the possible antidepressant effects of riluzole, a drug that impacts the glutamatergic pathway, not the usual target of most available depression medications. Dr. Kendell points out that despite multiple antidepressant medications targeting the serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems, one of three patients treated for depression exhibits an inadequate response to these drugs. Emerging evidence suggests, though, that the amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate may play a central role in the neurobiology of depression. Associated animal studies also show that chronic administration of current antidepressant medications may, indirectly, affect the glutamate system. This modulation of glutamate function may account for a common mechanism of antidepressant action among treatments. In support of this hypothesis, a recent study demonstrated that riluzole alleviated depression in patients who had previously not responded to conventional antidepressant medications. A related series of neuroimaging studies also demonstrated abnormal glutamate levels in the brains of depressed subjects and normalization of levels after treatment. Dr. Kendell now aims to further understand the apparent antidepressant actions of riluzole by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging to determine in vivo measures of glutamate as a consequence of riluzole’s administration.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar Depression

Search Again