| Literature DB >> 28489327 |
Hannah E Bowrey1,2, Morgan H James1,3, Gary Aston-Jones1.
Abstract
Both preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that depression is strongly associated with reduced light availability, which in turn contributes to decreased function of brain regions that control mood. Here, we review findings that support a critical pathway for the control of mood that depends upon ambient light. We put forward a novel hypothesis, functionally linking retina to locus coeruleus (LC) in depression, and discuss the role of norepinephrine in affective disease. Finally, we discuss how utilizing the chemogenetic tool Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) to precisely control this retina-LC circuit may be used as a novel therapeutic to treat depression.Entities:
Keywords: antidepressants; anxiety/anxiety disorders; depression; mood disorders; pharmacotherapy; seasonal affective disorder; sleep disorders; stress; treatment
Mesh:
Substances:
Year: 2017 PMID: 28489327 PMCID: PMC5797474 DOI: 10.1002/da.22635
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Depress Anxiety ISSN: 1091-4269 Impact factor: 6.505