Lower synaptic density is associated with depression severity and network alterations

Abstract Synaptic loss and deficits in functional connectivity are hypothesized to contribute to symptoms associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) can be used to index the number of nerve terminals, an indirect estimate of synaptic density. Here, we used positron emission tomography (PET) with the SV2A radioligand [ 11 C]UCB-J to examine synaptic density in n = 26 unmedicated individuals with MDD, PTSD, or comorbid MDD/PTSD. The severity of depressive symptoms was inversely correlated with SV2A density, and individuals with high levels of depression showing lower SV2A density compared to healthy controls ( n = 21).…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• YU
  Yale University
• NA
  National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
• NC
  National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• JP
  Janssen Pharmaceuticals