A novel BDNF polymorphism affects plasma protein levels in interaction with early adversity in rhesus macaques.

Early stressful events can increase vulnerability for psychopathology, although knowledge on the effectors is still limited. In this report we describe the characterization of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in rhesus macaques, which results in a Val to Met transition in the pro-BDNF domain, similar to a well described variant in the human gene. Further, we tested the hypothesis that peripheral levels of BDNF, which is involved in the response to stress and in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression, might be differentially affected in a non-human primate model of early adverse rearing in a genotype-dependent manner.

The novel brain-specific tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene in panic disorder.

Panic disorder is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent anxiety attacks and anticipatory anxiety. Due to the severity of the symptoms of the panic attacks and the frequent additional occurrence of agoraphobia, panic disorder is an often debilitating disease. Elevation of central serotonin levels by drugs such as clomipramine represents one of the most effective treatment options for panic disorder.

Synaptotagmin I and IV are differentially regulated in the brain by the recreational drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or Ecstasy) is a widely abused drug. In brains of mice exposed to MDMA, we recently detected altered expression of several cDNAs and genes by using the differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Expression of one such cDNA, which exhibited 98% sequence homology with the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin IV, decreased 2 h after MDMA treatment.

The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.

Almost half a century ago, a series of remarkable therapeutic developments occurred and were soon recognised as milestones in the history of medicine. The introduction of lithium, chlorpromazine, imipramine and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, within a few years of each other, radically altered the prospects for treating serious psychiatric disorders. Until then, electroconvulsive therapy had been the only definitive treatment available.

Serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism influences topography of inhibitory motor control.

The prefrontal cortex participates in motor control and is modulated by serotonergic activity. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a major regulator of serotonergic neurotransmission and may thus influence motor control. The short allele (s) of the 5-HTT linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is associated with less 5-HTT expression and function than the long variant (l).

Knockout mice in neuropsychopharmacology: present and future.

The technique of targeted inactivation of individual genes in mice has undoubtedly revolutionized biomedicine. Applications for gene knockout mice in neuropsychopharmacology are manifold: Determination of targets for established treatments is eased, while development of novel drugs is facilitated for a given target. This review discusses advantages and limitations of gene knockout strategies and, in particular, their relevance for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in psychiatric disorders.