Modulation of neuronal glutamate transporter rEAAC1 mRNA expression in rat brain by amitriptyline.

Glutamate transporters regulate the glutamate concentration in the synaptic cleft within the CNS, a regulation required for normal brain function. In several neurological conditions, the amount of glutamate is altered. One reason for the changes in glutamate concentration might be impaired glutamate transporter function. In this study, an in situ hybridisation technique has been used to elucidate changes in mRNA expression of the glutamate transporter, excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1), after treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) amitriptyline. The results lead to the suggestion that treatment with tricyclic antidepressants leads to changes in the EAAC1 mRNA expression in rat brain suggesting involvement of the glutamate system in the tricyclic treatment of depression.