Novel Therapeutic Targets Against Spreading Depression
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
Published on: June 6, 2025
Shih-Pin Chen1,2,3,4, Cenk Ayata1,5
1Neurovascular Research Lab, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Migraine is among the most prevalent and disabling neurological diseases in the world. Cortical spreading depression (SD) is an intense wave of neuronal and glial depolarization underlying migraine aura, and a headache trigger, which has been used as an experimental platform for drug screening in migraine. Here, we provide an overview of novel therapeutic targets that show promise to suppress SD, such as acid-sensing ion channels, casein kinase Iδ, P2X7-pannexin 1 complex, and neuromodulation, and outline the experimental models and essential quality measures for rigorous and reproducible efficacy testing.
Related Concept Videos
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
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...
Depression: Overview
Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications

