One of the most popular hypotheses regarding the emergence of depression is serotonin. According to this view, depression results from a deficiency of serotonin or other disorders in the functioning of this neurotransmitter. However, Russian scientists refuted this statement; Galina Idova, professor of the Department of Physiology at Novosibirsk State University and principal investigator of the Research Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, told socialbites.ca.
“Many authors have shown that serotonin levels decrease in depression. We determined the opposite. An increase in serotonin content was detected in some dopamine and serotonin structures in the brain in depressed animals. But reducing the level of depression makes it possible to normalize the immune response,” said the professor.
According to the scientist, the serotonin system is an immunosuppressant. Neuroinflammation, which occurs in depression along with immune disorders, leads to increased levels of serotonin in the brain and, as a result, suppression of the immune system. Moreover, if serotonin synthesis is blocked in mice, the decrease in the immune response is eliminated.
The development of the disorder can be prevented by influencing the mechanisms that affect the levels of various substances in the brain. However, as Idova points out, the specific pathways have not yet been fully elucidated.
“We are currently planning complex studies to evaluate the therapeutic effect and immune status when using rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation under the leadership of Academician Lyubomir Ivanovich Aftanas in our Department of Neuroscience, Behavior and Neurotechnology. We will use it to treat patients with depression and neurodegenerative diseases,” the expert said.
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