Research into manic depression, more formally called bipolar disorder, has been hindered, according to many in the scientific community due to the lack of animal models upon which to base studies.
Until now that is. Scientists have been able to create a genetically engineered defect in a specific gene which may play a leading role in causing mood disorders, like manic depression. The gene is known as glutamate receptor 6 – referred to as GluR6 – and has long been associated with manic depression.
Scientists knew that the gene was related to manic depression but were unsure of the exact mechanism. Not only that, but the gene encoding for the GluR6 receptor has not only been linked to manic depression, but also to the tendency of some individuals to consider suicide while taking antidepressant drugs in a separate pharmacogenetic study.
Interestingly enough, individuals who suffer with manic depression are the most susceptible to antidepressant-induced states of restlessness.
In the new study, scientists utilized mice to further examine the issue. The scientists used mice with the GluR6 gene missing, comparing them to a control group of mice who had the gene.
Both groups of mice underwent a series of tests specifically created to imitate the symptoms of manic episode of manic depression. The researchers discovered that the mice with the Glu6R gene missing displayed many of the symptoms of mania.
Not only were these mice more active in several tests, they also displayed more anxiety and more behavior traits that could be classified as risk taking and less behavior traits that could be called despair-type behavior. These mice without the GluR6 also displayed more aggressive behavior, another character trait of a manic episode of manic depression.
The scientists also administered biochemical tests on these mice, the results of which suggested that the GluR6 gene may also play a unique role in actually regulating some of the symptoms of mania.
Now that researchers have genetically engineered this type of laboratory mouse, they’ll be better able to study manic depression. This study also opens the door for further studies that may very well lead to new treatments.
Manic depression is a mental health disorder characterized by erratic swings in mood. Individuals with this health issue, most recently renamed bipolar disorder, are subject not only to depression, but also episodes of mania. These manic episodes involve high energy expenditure, sleeplessness for several days sometimes, as well as rapid speech, racing thoughts and feelings of grandiosity. Those individuals experiencing a manic episode may also display psychotic behavior, such as hallucinations.
Several mood stabilizing drugs are currently available for the treatment of manic depression. Individuals with manic depression are also encouraged to take a series of behavioral therapy as well.
For more resources regarding bipolar or even about symptom of bipolar disorder and especially about bipolar medication please review these pages.
For more resources regarding bipolar or even about symptom of bipolar disorder and especially about bipolar medication please review these pages.
