Neuropeptides signalling systems

Sheehan M, de Belleroche J Facilitation of GABA release by cholecystokinin and caerulein in rat cerebral cortex. Neuropeptides 3 429-434, 1983 Sherman AD, Petty F Additivity of neurochemical changes in learned helplessness and imipramine. Behav Neural Biol 35 344-353, 1982 Sherman WR Lithium and the phosphoinositide signaling system, in Lithium and the Cell. Edited by Birch NJ. London, Academic Press, 1991, pp 121-157 Sherman WR, Munsell LY, Gish BG, et al Effects of systemically administered lithium on phosphoinositide metabolism in rat brain, kidney, and testis. J Neurochem 44 798-807, 1985... 

In my admittedly biased view, the most coherent approach is that of a profoundly disturbed stress system that under specific conditions paves the way to development of mood disorders. These stress-system alterations can be genetic or acquired through trauma in early life or even in utero. Consistent with this neuroendocrine hypothesis are findings that centrally released neuropeptides that drive the HPA system also have behavioral effects that are similar to affective symptoms. This view is further supported by the documented ability of various antidepressants to enhance corticosteroid receptor synthesis and efficacy. Moreover, the stress system, particularly the corticosteroids and their receptors, interferes with all of the neurotransmitter receptor systems, including intracellular signaling, that have been considered in the context of mood disorders. New drugs targeted directly to various elements of the stress system will constitute a major step forward. 

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