D1 and TrkB Receptors Take Charge of the Molecular Antidepressant Action in Cultured Astroglial Cells

In psychopharmacology of depression, we observe two ways of research. One group is focused on catecholamines action. Second one fixes attention on neuronal morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity. The intimate connection of astrocytes, neurons and synaptic endings determines glial participation in neural homeostasis. Consequently this situation enlarges the role of astrocytes in the CNS synaptic plasticity. Brain Derived Neurotrophic factor and its receptor TrkB suppose to coordinate both of the above mentioning signaling pathways in depression disturbances. In our experiment, we have exploited striatal tissue because in our opinion this structure is misjudged in pathophysiology of depression alas; Several hypothesis proposed striatum as important in future intention activity structure. RT-PCR analysis was used to determine D1, BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in cultured striatal astroglial cells. Administration of three representative antidepressants (ADs) like amitriptyline, moclobemide and sertraline to astroglial culture medium increase the D1, BDNF/TrkB mRNA expression. Our previous study showed that the stimulation of cAMP to CREB pathway after D1 receptors excitation constituted a common response to ADs. The present results signify that D1, BDNF/TrkB link which is next neural track (after cAMP/PKA) involved in the CNS adaptation to external conditions altered by chronic ADs treatment. Moreover, the striatum tissue appears to be important formation which takes an active part in antidepressant action thus essential in depression disorder etiology.