Several structural and cellular changes, including marked glial anomalies, have been
observed in association with major depressive disorder. Here we review these cellular
alterations and highlight the importance of glial cell pathology, especially astroglial
dysfunction, in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders with a particular
interest in major depressive disorder. The functional role of astrocytes in glutamate
uptake and glutamate/glutamine cycling is discussed, as is the deleterious effects
of chronic stress on glial cell function. Lastly, we discuss the effect of antidepressants
on glial cell function and the possibility of targeting glial cells in the quest to
develop novel therapeutics.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 13,
2013
Received in revised form:
March 9,
2013
Received:
December 13,
2012
Identification
Copyright
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