Cortical inhibition, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and major depression: there is plenty of smoke but is there fire?

摘要

The pathophysiological processes underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) have remained elusive despite tremendous efforts and expenditures. For the past five decades, the focus of investigation has remained largely on neurochemical abnormalities within the monoaminergic neuro-transmitter systems. However, slowly, over the last 30 years, evidence has accumulated suggesting that altered function of the amino acid neurotransmitter systems, especially the major inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system, may contribute significantly to the pathophysiology and potentially successful treatment of the disorder (1). The recent findings by Levinson et al. (2) augment this growing body of literature by demonstrating specific neurophysiological effects that are likely related to GABAergic changes in the brains of some individuals suffering with MDD.