Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
05:17
BS3 Chemical Crosslinking Assay: Evaluating the Effect of Chronic Stress on Cell Surface GABAA Receptor Presentation in the Rodent Brain
Published on: May 26, 2023
Glial abnormalities in substance use disorders and depression: does shared glutamatergic dysfunction contribute to
Mark J Niciu1, Ioline D Henter, Gerard Sanacora
1Yale University Department of Psychiatry/Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC), Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit (CNRU) , New Haven, CT , USA.
Summary
Glial cells, including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, play crucial roles in mood and substance use disorders. Glutamatergic dysfunction mediated by glial cells is a shared pathway, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neuropsychiatric disorders research has historically centered on neurons.
- Glial cells (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes) are increasingly recognized for their critical roles in mood and substance use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of glial cells in the pathophysiology of comorbid mood and substance use disorders.
- To identify common neuropathological pathways involving glial cells in these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of peer-reviewed articles in PubMed/Medline up to December 2012.
- Keywords included glial cells, specific glial types, substance use disorders, and glutamate.
Main Results:
- Comorbidity of depressive and substance use disorders suggests shared etiology.
- Key findings include reduced astrocyte numbers, altered glutamate neurotransmission, impaired neurotrophic factor production, microglial/neuroinflammatory pathology, and oligodendrocyte dysfunction leading to decreased myelination.
- These glial pathologies are evident in both depressive and substance use disorders.
Conclusions:
- Glial-mediated glutamatergic dysfunction represents a common neuropathological pathway in substance use and depressive disorders.
- Glutamatergic neuromodulation is a promising therapeutic target for this comorbidity.
Related Concept Videos
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:03Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...