NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A polymorphism in a serotonin transporter gene has been associated with an increased risk of depression. Now, new research suggests that the mechanism involves alteration of cingulate-amygdala interactions.
In addition to the elevated risk of depression, this variant has been tied to an increase in anxiety-related temperamental traits and to increased amygdala reactivity.
As reported in the May 8th online issue of Nature Neuroscience, Dr. Daniel R. Weinberger, from the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, and colleagues used multimodal neuroimaging in 114 healthy subjects to clarify the neural mechanisms responsible for this genetic susceptibility to depression.
The authors found that cingulate-amygdala feedback circuit plays a key role in emotion regulation. In patients with the variant, relative uncoupling of this circuit is seen.
“Our findings suggest a causal mechanism linking developmental alterations in serotonin-dependent neuronal pathways to impaired interactions in a regulatory network mediating emotional reactivity,” the authors conclude.
Source: Nat Neurosci 2005. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Membrane Proteins: Receptors, Cell Surface: Receptors, Serotonin: Receptors, Neurotransmitter: Receptors, Biogenic AmineCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
