How glutamate neurotransmition are affected during depression?10 answersGlutamate neurotransmission plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of depression, with various studies highlighting its dysregulation during depressive states. Abnormal glutamatergic neurotransmission is associated with depression, where both excessive and deficient glutamate levels can contribute to the disorder's pathogenesis. This is evidenced by findings that show higher pretreatment concentrations of glutamine in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, which correlate with symptom severity, and the normalization of these levels following psychodynamic psychotherapy. Similarly, alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission, including changes in glutamate+glutamine levels, have been implicated in depression, with decreased levels observed in the medial frontal cortex of patients with depression.
The role of glutamate in depression is further complicated by its dual nature, acting as both a necessary factor for neurogenesis and a potential contributor to neuronal atrophy and depression when in excess, a phenomenon explained by the concept of hormesis. This is supported by evidence showing that treatments targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission, such as ketamine, can have rapid antidepressant effects, presumably through the modulation of AMPA receptors and the subsequent impact on synaptic plasticity and memory.
Moreover, interventions like total sleep deprivation and light therapy have been shown to reduce glutamate levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, correlating with a decrease in depressive symptoms, suggesting a direct or indirect modulation of glutamatergic neurons or their interaction with other neurotransmitter systems. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, another treatment modality, has been observed to increase glutamine/glutamate ratios in the anterior cingulate cortex and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, further indicating the modulation of glutamate neurochemistry in depression treatment.
Research also points to the complexity of glutamatergic signaling and its broad downstream effects on neuronal signaling and functional connectivity, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of glutamate's role in depression beyond the monoamine hypothesis. The ambiguity surrounding glutamate levels in depression and the mechanisms of action of glutamatergic modulators like riluzole and ketamine underscores the necessity for a nuanced approach to understanding and targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission in depression treatment. This complexity is further elaborated by the glutamate microcircuit's involvement in various neuropathologies and its interaction with the brain/body interface, including the microbiome and immune mediators, which can disrupt excitatory/inhibitory homeostasis and contribute to depression. Finally, indirect modulation of glutamatergic transmission through the serotonin system presents a promising therapeutic approach, as seen with compounds like vortioxetine and vilazodone, which modulate glutamate neurotransmission through serotonin receptors.
Why is blood lactate important in sports?4 answersBlood lactate is important in sports because it serves as an indicator of exercise intensity and can be used to assess an athlete's performance and training exercise intensity. During intense exercise, lactate levels increase, while in low-intensity exercise, lactate and glucose concentrations gradually decrease. High lactate concentrations can also have positive effects, such as improving running time and serving as an energy source for the body. Additionally, blood lactate levels can be used to determine an athlete's lactate threshold, which is the exercise intensity at which lactate starts to accumulate exponentially in the bloodstream. Monitoring blood lactate concentrations can provide valuable information for athletes and coaches to optimize training programs and improve athletic performance.
What is the role of lactate in hydrogen production in the human body?5 answersLactate plays a role in hydrogen production in the human body. It has been shown that lactate can be used as a substrate for hydrogen fermentation by certain microflora and bacteria, such as Megasphaera elsdenii and Desulfovibrio piger. These bacteria have the ability to utilize lactate as a carbon source and produce hydrogen as a byproduct. In the case of Megasphaera elsdenii, it has been found to be the main lactate-utilizing hydrogen-producing bacteria (LU-HPB). On the other hand, Desulfovibrio piger, a sulphate-reducing bacterium, has been shown to stimulate sulphide formation in the presence of lactate, which may have implications for conditions such as colitis. Overall, lactate can serve as a substrate for hydrogen production by certain bacteria in the human body.
What is gabaergic neurotransmission?4 answersGABAergic neurotransmission refers to the signaling pathway involving the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system (CNS). GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS and is involved in regulating brain excitability. It binds to two types of receptors, GABAA and GABAB receptors, to transmit inhibitory signals. GABAA receptors are traditionally thought to mediate synaptic inhibition, while GABAB receptors respond to extrasynaptic GABA. However, some GABAA receptors are located outside the synapse and contribute to tonic inhibition, which is important for circuit activity in certain brain regions. GABAergic neurotransmission plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory functions in the brain. Disturbances in GABAergic neurotransmission can lead to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the complexities of GABAergic neurotransmission can help in the development of targeted therapies for conditions such as epilepsy.
Is lactate good for the brain?5 answersLactate plays a positive role in brain function and disease studies. It is involved in multiple brain functions and has been shown to protect against damage caused by acute brain injuries. Lactate shuttling between tissues serves a thermoregulatory function in the brain, helping to mitigate the consequences of elevated metabolic heat. Lactate can be used as an alternative substrate for cellular metabolism, particularly in conditions of depleted energy reserves such as reperfusion injury. Additionally, lactate acts as a neuromodulator in the brain, decreasing synaptic activity and excitability, which makes it an attractive target for the treatment of epilepsy. Overall, lactate has beneficial effects on brain function and can be considered good for the brain.
What is the role of neurotransmitters in muscle contraction?5 answersNeurotransmitters play a crucial role in muscle contraction. They are released by nerve cells at synapses and affect other nerve cells or muscles. The communication between neurons in the central nervous system and between neurons and muscles is mediated by these chemical signaling molecules. Different neurotransmitters have different effects on muscle contraction. For example, gangliosides and N-acylneuraminic acids increase sensitivity and contraction height of the rat stomach fundus, while inhibitors decrease the rate of contraction. Adrenaline and β-agonists generally augment peak force and abbreviate relaxation of skeletal muscles, while also modulating sarcolemmal processes and enhancing Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Intrinsic neurons in the myenteric plexus of the gut regulate smooth muscle contraction, with cholinergic/tachykinin interneurons and excitatory motor neurons mediating contraction, and VIP/PACAP/NOS interneurons and inhibitory motor neurons mediating relaxation.