Antidepressant-like and antistress effects of the ACTH(4-10) synthetic analogs Semax and Melanotan II on male rats in a model of chronic unpredictable stress.

Current antidepressant therapy shows substantial limitations, and there is an urgent need for the development of new treatment strategies for depression. Stressful events and hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis play an important role in the pathogenesis of depression. HPA axis activity is self-regulated by negative feedback at several levels including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-mediated feedback.

Stress-Induced Depression and Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Astrocytes.

Neurodegenerative diseases and depression are multifactorial disorders with a complex and poorly understood physiopathology. Astrocytes play a key role in the functioning of neurons in norm and pathology. Stress is an important factor for the development of brain disorders.