Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Developing a Rat Model for Bipolar Disorder
Published on: May 2, 2025
TNF-alpha as a molecular target in bipolar disorder
Elisa Brietzke1, Flávio Kapczinski
1Bipolar Disorder Program and Molecular Psychiatry Unit, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Abstract:
The pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) is poorly understood. An emerging body of evidence points to impairments in neuroplasticity, cell resilience and neuronal survival as the main neuropathological correlates of BD. It has been suggested that inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-alpha may play a critical role in this process. In the present review we examine the evidence suggesting that TNF-alpha regulates apoptotic cascades which may be related to neuronal and glial loss in BD. Current evidence suggests that an increase in serum levels of TNF-alpha takes place during manic and depressive episodes. The present article reviews the therapeutic implications of TNF-alpha signaling pathways involvement in the pathophysiology of BD.
Related Concept Videos
Bipolar Disorder
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
