Altered synaptic homeostasis: a key factor in the pathophysiology of depression.

Depression, a widespread psychiatric disorder, is characterized by a diverse array of symptoms such as melancholic mood and anhedonia, imposing a significant burden on both society and individuals. Despite extensive research into the neurobiological foundations of depression, a complete understanding of its complex mechanisms is yet to be attained, and targeted therapeutic interventions remain under development. Synaptic homeostasis, a compensatory feedback mechanism, involves neurons adjusting synaptic strength by regulating pre- or postsynaptic processes.

Electroacupuncture restores maternal separation-induced glutamatergic presynaptic deficits of the medial prefrontal cortex in adulthood.

Maternal separation (MS) serves as a critical model of early life stress (ELS) that can lead to mood disorders, such as depression. Our previous studies suggest that MS may disrupt synaptic transmission in adulthood. While electroacupuncture (EA) has demonstrated antidepressant effects in several animal models of stress-induced depression, it remains unclear whether EA can reverse synaptic transmission deficits caused by ELS.