Post-stroke depression (PSD), a common complication after stroke,
severely affects the recovery and quality of life of patients with
stroke. Owing to its complex mechanisms, PSD treatment remains highly
challenging. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is one of the key factors
leading to PSD; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain
unclear. Numerous studies have found that neurotrophic factors, protein
kinases, and neurotransmitters influence depressive behavior by
modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. This review further
elaborates on the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in PSD by
summarizing recent research and analyzing possible molecular mechanisms.
Evidence for the correlation between hippocampal mechanisms and PSD
helps to better understand the pathological process of PSD and improve
its treatment.