Document Detail


Glucocorticoid inhibition in the treatment of depression: can we think outside the endocrine hypothalamus?
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19133699     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder affects a substantial percentage of the U.S. population, and can be highly debilitating. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed to treat depression, but may not be as effective for more severe or persistent depression.
METHODS: The authors review data concerning the effects of corticosteroid synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) in the management of depressive disorders, present a hypothesis as to their possible mechanisms of action based on recent data suggesting synergistic effects of glucocorticoids on extrahypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and consider alternative hypotheses. Published reports evaluating the efficacy of CSIs in treating depression are reviewed and presented in light of recent findings regarding actions of glucocorticoids on the central CRH system.
RESULTS: Results from open label and double-blind studies by several groups have indicated that CSIs may be efficacious or of adjunctive value in some patients with depression, including those refractory to other agents; however, there is a need for more controlled studies. Several lines of data suggest that the mechanism of action of these agents may not be solely a function of inhibition of adrenal cortisol production.
CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose that CSIs may be efficacious in part by reducing glucocorticoid enhancement of CRH action in neurons of the central nucleus of the amygdala and other structures outside the endocrine hypothalamus. Possible effects of systemically administered CSIs on glucocorticoid receptor regulation, neuroactive steroids, and classical monoamine systems are also discussed. We conclude that available clinical data suggest a potential role for CSIs in the management of depressive disorders, especially major depression with psychotic features.
Authors:
Mitchel A Kling; Victoria H Coleman; Jay Schulkin
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Depression and anxiety     Volume:  26     ISSN:  1520-6394     ISO Abbreviation:  Depress Anxiety     Publication Date:  2009  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2009-07-07     Completed Date:  2009-11-23     Revised Date:  2013-05-06    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9708816     Medline TA:  Depress Anxiety     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  641-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Translational Medicine, Wyeth Research, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adrenal Glands / metabolism
Aminoglutethimide / pharmacology*,  therapeutic use*
Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*,  therapeutic use*
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / drug effects*,  metabolism*
Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis,  drug therapy*,  psychology
Double-Blind Method
Glucocorticoids / antagonists & inhibitors*,  biosynthesis*
Humans
Hydrocortisone / antagonists & inhibitors*,  biosynthesis
Hypothalamus / drug effects*,  metabolism*
Ketoconazole / pharmacology*,  therapeutic use*
Metyrapone / pharmacology*,  therapeutic use*
Mifepristone / pharmacology*,  therapeutic use*
Severity of Illness Index
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
Z01 MH002659-15/MH/NIMH NIH HHS
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Anti-Inflammatory Agents; 0/Glucocorticoids; 125-84-8/Aminoglutethimide; 50-23-7/Hydrocortisone; 54-36-4/Metyrapone; 65277-42-1/Ketoconazole; 84371-65-3/Mifepristone; 9015-71-8/Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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