A Review of Research on the Association between Neuron–Astrocyte Signaling Processes and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Depression is a mental illness that has a serious negative impact on physical and mental health. The pathophysiology of depression is still unknown, and therapeutic medications have drawbacks, such as poor effectiveness, strong dependence, adverse drug withdrawal symptoms, and harmful side effects. Therefore, the primary purpose of contemporary research is to understand the exact pathophysiology of depression. The connection between astrocytes, neurons, and their interactions with depression has recently become the focus of great research interest. This review summarizes the pathological changes of neurons and astrocytes, and their interactions in depression, including the alterations of mid-spiny neurons and pyramidal neurons, the alterations of astrocyte-related biomarkers, and the alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons. In addition to providing the subjects of this research and suggestions for the pathogenesis and treatment techniques of depression, the intention of this article is to more clearly identify links between neuronal–astrocyte signaling processes and depressive symptoms.

Role of Glial Cells in Depression and Drug Addiction

“…More recently, revelation of the importance of astrocyte Ca 2+ signaling in homeostatic control of brain circuits and behavior has led to the suggestion of potential exploitation of this system in MDD treatment [179] [180]. Further understanding of astrocyte-neuron involvement in MDD pathology including the alterations of mid-spiny neurons and pyramidal neurons, as well as the alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons could provide novel targets in MDD [181].…”

Role of Glial Cells in Neuronal Function, Mood Disorders, and Drug Addiction

“…Moreover, it is now well documented that neurons and astrocytes through gliotransmission may contribute to depression by influencing synaptic plasticity as well as energy metabolism [ 195 , 196 , 197 ]. Thus, further understanding of astrocyte-neuron involvement in MDD pathology, including alterations of pyramidal neuron and mid-spiny neurons, as well as alterations of gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons, could provide novel targets for MDD [ 195 , 197 , 198 , 199 ].…”

“…Several key astrocytic signaling pathways that are involved in cocaine-induced synaptic and circuit adaptations have been identified [ 201 , 202 ]. Overall, it is postulated that NACC astrocytes play a critical role in modulating glutamate transmission during relapse [ 199 , 200 , 201 ]. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of targeting astrocytic substrates to tackle drug addiction has been proposed [ 132 , 203 , 204 ].…”