Project Summary

Michael Maes, M.D., Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2004) of Maastricht University, notes that there is now evidence of that activation of the inflammatory response system, with an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is involved in the pathophysiology and etiology of major depression. Using a rat model, Dr. Maes will explore the activity of an enzyme called indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase (IDO) which converts tryptophan (the precursor of serotonin) to kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid. He will also study the kynurenine pathway. Recent studies suggest that major affective disorders likely involve alterations in intracellular pathways typically activated by cytokines. Additionally, quinolinic acid is an excitotoxic NMDA receptor agonist which exhibits neurodegenerative effects and thus could explain the neurodegeneration found in some depressed patients.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar Depression

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