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Hippocampal remodeling and damage by corticosteroids: implications for mood disorders
E S Brown1, A J Rush, B S McEwen
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9101, USA.
Summary
Mood disorders are linked to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis issues and memory loss. This review explores how corticosteroids impact the hippocampus, affecting mood disorders and memory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Mood disorders frequently involve hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and memory deficits.
- The hippocampus plays a crucial role in HPA axis feedback and memory functions, making it a key area of interest in mood disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of corticosteroids in hippocampal remodeling and atrophy in patients with mood disorders.
- To discuss potential interventions for mitigating corticosteroid-induced hippocampal damage.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing human and animal studies.
- Examination of data on corticosteroid effects on hippocampal structure and function.
Main Results:
- Hippocampal dysfunction is implicated in memory impairment and neuroendocrine abnormalities in mood disorders.
- Human studies show cognitive deficits consistent with hippocampal dysfunction in conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and Cushing's disease, as well as with exogenous corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Hippocampal remodeling and atrophy due to corticosteroids are significant factors in mood disorders.
- Interventions targeting corticosteroid effects on the hippocampus may offer therapeutic benefits.