Project Summary

Perry F. Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2000) of McLean Hospital, is using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to quantify levels of a chemical called adenosine in the human brains of patients with major depression. Previous work suggests that levels of adenosine may be associated with response to antidepressant treatment. Dr. Renshaw will use a powerful magnetic resonance scanner to determine the extent to which brain adenosine levels are increased following the administration of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which increases adenosine and appears to have antidepressant efficacy. A study in 20 healthy volunteers will be followed by a clinical trial of SAMe in 20 depressed subjects. This work has the promise of leading to new insights regarding the relationship between depression and adenosine levels.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Depression (Unipolar)

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