Adult brain neurogenesis and depression
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Updated: Sep 28, 2026

A Comparative Approach for Quantitative Cell Counting Studies in Widely Different Mammalian Brains
Published on: January 16, 2026
1Program in Neuroscience, Green Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. barryj@princeton.edu
Abstract:
The waning and waxing of neurogenesis in brain areas such as the dentate gyrus is proposed as a key factor in the descent into and recovery from clinical depression, respectively. A decrease in neurogenesis could occur due to genetic factors, stress (especially because of the involvement of adrenal corticoids), and/or a decline in serotonergic neurotransmission. An increase in neurogenesis could be brought about by several factors, but especially those that activate the serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor. The possible interaction of immune system factors, especially the proinflammatory cytokines, with adult brain neurogenesis is discussed.
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