Influence of Glutamatergic System

In the research article titled Sex differences in the transcription of glutamate transporters in major depression and suicide Dr. Sodhi and colleagues emphasize the importance of understanding the mechanism behind glutamate transporters and their critical role in the brain by looking closer at its genetic expression given that mRNAs encode said glutamate transporters. The study recruited both females and males with a major depressive disorder (MMD) or MDD patients who had passed due to suicide. The findings of the study indicated that females with depressive disorder displayed a higher expression of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) and vesicular glutamate transporter subtypes (VGLUT1 & VGLUT2) whereas EAAT expression was lower in the male violent suicides. This study proves to be a positive step toward the understanding of glutamate and its role in the brain.

 

Similarly, in the research article Glutamatergic system abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder by Dr. Nishi and colleagues, the study closely examines the role of the glutamatergic system and its impact on disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the use of 110 participants with PTSD and major depressive disorder (MMD), glutamate levels were recorded before and after 3 months. Their findings showed that glutamate levels are positively linked to the levels of PTSD severity but not with MDD severity. With this in mind, this unique neurotransmitter- Glutamate- plays a major role in the brain and livelihood of people.

 

Ultimately, both studies illustrate the importance of understanding glutamate and its influence on the brain in order to treat mental disorders like depression or PTSD. The scientific field continues to take big steps towards the prevention and treatment of mental disorders by aiming to comprehend the glutamatergic system and use its knowledge.

 

References: 

Nishi, D., Hashimoto, K., Noguchi, H., Hamazaki, K., Hamazaki, T., & Matsuoka, Y. (2015). Glutamatergic system abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology, 232(23), 4261–4268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-015-4052-5