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Basolateral amygdala volume and cell numbers in major depressive disorder: a postmortem stereological study
Marisa J Rubinow1, Gouri Mahajan2, Warren May3
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA. mrubinow@umc.edu.
Abstract:
Functional imaging studies consistently report abnormal amygdala activity in major depressive disorder (MDD). Neuroanatomical correlates are less clear: imaging studies have produced mixed results on amygdala volume, and postmortem neuroanatomic studies have only examined cell densities in portions of the amygdala or its subregions in MDD. Here, we present a stereological analysis of the volume of, and the total number of, neurons, glia, and neurovascular (pericyte and endothelial) cells in the basolateral amygdala in MDD. Postmortem tissues from 13 subjects with MDD and 10 controls were examined. Sections (~15/subject) taken throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) were stained for Nissl substance and utilized for stereological estimation of volume and cell numbers. Results indicate that depressed subjects had a larger lateral nucleus than controls and a greater number of total BLA neurovascular cells than controls. There were no differences in the number or density of neurons or glia between depressed and control subjects. These findings present a more detailed picture of BLA cellular anatomy in depression than has previously been available. Further studies are needed to determine whether the greater number of neurovascular cells in depressed subjects may be related to increased amygdala activity in depression.
Insights
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to increased neurovascular cells in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). This study found no changes in neurons or glia, suggesting a specific cellular difference in MDD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Functional imaging shows abnormal amygdala activity in major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Neuroanatomical correlates, including amygdala volume and cell density, remain unclear in MDD.
- Previous postmortem studies examined limited amygdala regions or cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a stereological analysis of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in MDD.
- To quantify volume, neurons, glia, and neurovascular cells in the BLA of MDD subjects.
- To investigate cellular differences in the BLA associated with major depressive disorder.
Main Methods:
- Stereological analysis of postmortem BLA tissue from 13 MDD subjects and 10 controls.
- Estimation of BLA volume and cell numbers (neurons, glia, neurovascular cells) using Nissl staining.
- Sections analyzed throughout the rostral-caudal extent of the BLA.
Main Results:
- Subjects with MDD exhibited a larger lateral nucleus compared to controls.
- A greater total number of BLA neurovascular cells was found in MDD subjects.
- No significant differences in neuron or glia number or density were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- This study provides detailed BLA cellular anatomy in MDD, revealing increased neurovascular cells.
- Findings suggest potential alterations in the BLA's neurovasculature in major depressive disorder.
- Further research is needed to link increased neurovascular cells to heightened amygdala activity in MDD.
