Immune System Modulators with Antidepressant Effects: Evidence from Animal Models

Title:Immune System Modulators with Antidepressant Effects: Evidence from Animal Models

Volume: 16 Issue: 4

Author(s): Helena M. Abelaira, Amanda L. Maciel, Joao Quevedo and Gislaine Z. Reus*

Affiliation:

• Laboratory of Neurosciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, SC - 88806-000,Brazil

Keywords: Antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system, animal model of depression, major depressive disorder.

Abstract: Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, and currently, approximately 340 million people worldwide suffer from depression at some point in life. In view of the growing socio-economic and clinical impact, several studies have focused on the etiopathology of MDD, suggesting that not only the monoaminergic system but also other brain mechanisms may be involved in the pathophysiology of MDD. Recent studies have shown a link between inflammation and MDD and have also demonstrated that antidepressants and antiinflammatory drugs can act to reduce inflammation, thereby improving depressive symptoms. Animal models of depression are indispensable for studying the pathophysiology of this disorder and new treatments for it. Further, studies have shown that rodent models of depression are also associated with elevated levels of inflammation in the periphery and brain.

Cite this article as:

Abelaira M. Helena, Maciel L. Amanda, Quevedo Joao and Reus Z. Gislaine*, Immune System Modulators with Antidepressant Effects: Evidence from Animal Models, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2017; 16 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871527316666170404141620