G protein-linked signaling pathways in bipolar and major depressive disorders.

The G-protein linked signaling system (GPLS) comprises a large number of G-proteins, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), GPCR ligands, and downstream effector molecules. G-proteins interact with both GPCRs and downstream effectors such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), phosphatidylinositols, and ion channels. The GPLS is implicated in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BPD).

Four mood stabilizers commonly induce FEZ1 expression in human astrocytes.

Objectives:   Mood stabilizers influence the morphology, chemotaxis, and survival of neurons, which are considered to be related to the mood-stabilizing effects of these drugs. Although previous studies suggest glial abnormalities in patients with bipolar disorder and an effect of mood stabilizers on certain genes in astrocytes, less is known about the effects of mood stabilizers in astrocytes than in neurons. The present study identifies a common underlying response to mood stabilizers in astrocytes.

Visions for required postgraduate year 1 residency training by 2020: a comparison of actual versus projected expansion.

Study Objective: To explore the feasibility of expanding postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residency training as proposed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Design: Prospective survey analysis.

Data Source: The ASHP Online Residency Directory was used to obtain PGY1 residency program data from June 2007-June 2008.