A New Perspective on Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Post-stroke Depression
Ning Sun1#, Wen-Qiang Cui2, Xiao-Man Min3 , Guang-Ming Zhang3, Jia-Zheng Liu3,Hong-Yun Wu2*
1First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
2Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
3College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
* Correspondence: Hong-Yun Wu Email: whylzhangonly@126.com
Keywords: Post-stroke depression, Hippocampus, Synaptic plasticity, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, Connexin 43.
Abstract
Post-stroke depression (PSD), a common complication after stroke, severely affects the recovery and quality of life of patients with stroke. Owing to its complex mechanisms, PSD treatment remains highly challenging. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is one of the key factors leading to PSD; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Numerous studies have found that neurotrophic factors, protein kinases, and neurotransmitters influence depressive behavior by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. This review further elaborates on the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in PSD by summarizing recent research and analyzing possible molecular mechanisms. Evidence for the correlation between hippocampal mechanisms and PSD helps to better understand the pathological process of PSD and improve its treatment.