Post by John on Feb 27, 2008 19:11:46 GMT -5
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Brain Enzyme May Be More Important Than Serotonin in Mental Conditions
Researchers are finding that imbalances of a brain enzyme known as GSK3¥â may be closer to the root of psychiatric disorders than the neurotransmitter serotonin. While low levels of serotonin may play a role in conditions like panic disorder and depression, scientists still aren't sure why. Meanwhile, they are studying other brain chemicals to see how they may be involved.
The enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3¥â or GSK3¥â has been the subject of recent studies funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). When working correctly, GSK3©¬ is used by the brain to transmit chemical signals between cells, in order to regulate cell function. In a new study, researchers were able to change certain abnormal behaviors in mice by blocking GSK3¥â.
The researchers studies mice with low levels of serotonin. These mice showed behaviors indicative of anxiety and depression: they gave up sooner than the "normal" mice when their tails were being pulled, and they took longer to leave dark hiding places in order to explore their environment.
When the researchers blocked GSK3©¬ in the mice with low serotonin, the abnormal behaviors were reversed. Genetic engineering and chemical compounds were used as means of blocking the GSK3©¬.
While the serotonin system does seem to play a role in many psychiatric conditions, the scientists say it is just one part in "chains of molecular events" that cause these conditions. In the mice study, mice were genetically engineered to have a gene known as Tph2 which has been linked with depression. The Tph2 caused an 80% drop in serotonin in these mice. The serotonin drop, in turn, led to an increase of the GSK3©¬ enzyme. Rather than boost serotonin, as many medications do, the scientists chose to block the GSK3©¬.
These results, the researchers say, indicate that the GSK3©¬ molecule may be a better target for future medications used to treat panic disorder, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. Currently, medications that target serotonin (such as the SSRIs) are most often used to treat conditions like panic disorder.
Results of the study were published in the January 29, 2008 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Friday February 22, 2008 |
From: www.about.com
Brain Enzyme May Be More Important Than Serotonin in Mental Conditions
Researchers are finding that imbalances of a brain enzyme known as GSK3¥â may be closer to the root of psychiatric disorders than the neurotransmitter serotonin. While low levels of serotonin may play a role in conditions like panic disorder and depression, scientists still aren't sure why. Meanwhile, they are studying other brain chemicals to see how they may be involved.
The enzyme glycogen synthase kinase 3¥â or GSK3¥â has been the subject of recent studies funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). When working correctly, GSK3©¬ is used by the brain to transmit chemical signals between cells, in order to regulate cell function. In a new study, researchers were able to change certain abnormal behaviors in mice by blocking GSK3¥â.
The researchers studies mice with low levels of serotonin. These mice showed behaviors indicative of anxiety and depression: they gave up sooner than the "normal" mice when their tails were being pulled, and they took longer to leave dark hiding places in order to explore their environment.
When the researchers blocked GSK3©¬ in the mice with low serotonin, the abnormal behaviors were reversed. Genetic engineering and chemical compounds were used as means of blocking the GSK3©¬.
While the serotonin system does seem to play a role in many psychiatric conditions, the scientists say it is just one part in "chains of molecular events" that cause these conditions. In the mice study, mice were genetically engineered to have a gene known as Tph2 which has been linked with depression. The Tph2 caused an 80% drop in serotonin in these mice. The serotonin drop, in turn, led to an increase of the GSK3©¬ enzyme. Rather than boost serotonin, as many medications do, the scientists chose to block the GSK3©¬.
These results, the researchers say, indicate that the GSK3©¬ molecule may be a better target for future medications used to treat panic disorder, depression, and other psychiatric disorders. Currently, medications that target serotonin (such as the SSRIs) are most often used to treat conditions like panic disorder.
Results of the study were published in the January 29, 2008 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Friday February 22, 2008 |
From: www.about.com
