Abstract
Use of the acne drug Accutane (13-cis retinoic acid, [13-cis RA]) has been associated with severe depression. This association has been considered controversial because no causative link has been found between 13-cis RA and this disorder. A recent hypothesis has suggested that atrophy of the hippocampus can result in depression. We now show, in a mouse model, that endogenous RA generated by synthetic enzymes in the meninges acts on hippocampal granule neurons, and chronic (3-week) exposure to a clinical dose of 13-cis RA may result in hippocampal cell loss. In humans this may be conjectured to be the mechanism by which Accutane contributes to depression.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 436-440 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Volume | 1021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Keywords
- Aldehyde Oxidoreductases
- Animals
- Bromodeoxyuridine
- Cell Count
- Cell Survival
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Hippocampus
- Immunohistochemistry
- Isotretinoin
- Mice
- Neurons
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid
- Retinal Dehydrogenase
- Time Factors
- Tretinoin