
pmid: 34628112
Depression is the second leading cause of disability in the world. Despite developing some efficacious treatments, many patients do not respond to the treatment well due to the complexity of depression and unknown mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. It has been reported that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience autonomic dysfunctions in different aspects. Evidence suggests that modulation of the autonomic nervous system may improve depression. Von Economo neurons (VENs) are shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of some of the neurological and psychological diseases. VENs are also important for the "ego" formation, sense of empathy, intuition, and cognition. These neurons express a high level of adrenoreceptor alpha 1a, which confirms their role in the autonomic function. Here, based on some evidence, I propose the hypothesis that these neurons may play a role in depression, possibly through being involved in the autonomic function. More focused studies on VENs and their possible role in depression is suggested in future. This pathway may open a new window in the treatment of depression.
Neurons, Depressive Disorder, Major, Depression, Neural Pathways, Humans, Autonomic Nervous System
Neurons, Depressive Disorder, Major, Depression, Neural Pathways, Humans, Autonomic Nervous System
| citations This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 1 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
