AMPA receptor expression is increased post-mortem samples of the anterior cingulate from subjects with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background: Glutamate is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder; however, the molecular changes underlying abnormal glutamatergic signalling remain poorly understood. Whilst previous studies have suggested that the NMDA receptor may be involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, it is unclear whether the non-NMDA receptors are also involved. Therefore, we sought to examine whether the expression of the non-NMDA, ionotropic glutamate receptors, AMPA receptor and kainate receptor, is altered in mood disorders. Methods: We used [ 3H]AMPA and [ 3H]kainate to measure the levels of AMPA and kainate receptor, respectively, in the anter..