Development of an in vitro model for depression using HT-22 mouse hippocampal cells

Abstract

Depression is a rampant neurological disorder seen among humans. Currently, depression is studied in animal models in which many novel antidepressants have already been screened. Neither is the molecular mechanism of depression fully understood nor is the mode of action of antidepressants known. Corticosterone induced depression model has been developed in PC12 cells in a recent study. Since, hippocampus is mainly affected during depression, this study intends to use HT-22 cell line which is of mouse hippocampal origin. Depression is connected to AMPA receptor internalization which is induced by ARC protein in case of animal models. Antidepressant therapy in animals also increase ARC expression. Reserpine, which is a known depression inducer has been used to bring about depression like state in the cells. Further, BDNF and ARC gene expressions are studied as possible markers.