In rodent models, L-acetylcarnitine had antidepressant effects through a unique mechanism — could it help people?
The “epigenetic hypothesis” of major depression posits that environmental or random factors modify histone proteins or DNA and that these modifications eventually lead to alterations in gene expression. In previous animal studies, researchers have found that inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) improves response to stress.
The natural substance l-acetylcarnitine (LAC) increases type 2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors via an epigenetic mechanism shared by HDAC inhibitors. Function of mGlu2 is reduced in the hippocampus of stressed animals, and activation shortens time for antidepressants' therapeutic effect. A new study has now tested the effects of LAC in several rodent models.
In rodents that were exposed to chronic unpredictable…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)