SSRIs' first responders

Researchers at The Rockefeller University have identified a role for CCK-expressing neurons in initiating responses to SSRIs for depression and manipulated the neurons to recapitulate the drugs' effects. The findings could lead to faster-acting antidepressants -- if the cells can be selectively targeted.

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) are but latency is a problem: it can take weeks or months for a patient to fully response. Additionally, which of the 14 serotonin receptors and various neuronal cell types mediate SSRI responses are not well understood...