Neural stem cells in two neurogenic regions, the subventricular zone and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, can divide and produce new neurons throughout life. Hippocampal neurogenesis is related to emotions, including depression/anxiety, and the therapeutic effects of antidepressants, as well as learning and memory. The establishment of in vivo imaging for proliferative activity of neural stem cells in the SGZ might be used to diagnose depression and to monitor the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 3Ј-deoxy-3Ј-[

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Methods1.0 Ag/kg body wt human corticotropin-releasing factor (hCRF) and 0.005 IU/kg body wt lysine vasopressin (LVP) were administered in a bolus dose to patients receiving daily or alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy. In normal subjects with this hCRF-LVP test, the plasma ACTH increment was significantly greater (-2.5-fold) 15 min after injection than under the CRF test. In patients receiving daily glucocorticoid therapy (> 15 mg prednisolone or an equivalent daily dose), the plasma ACTH and cortisol responses to hCRF-LVP were suppressed 2 wk to 1 mo after the beginning of glucocorticoid administration but partially improved at 2-10 mo, and was markedly suppressed several years later. On the other hand, in patients receiving alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy, the plasma ACJ7H response was normal at 2 wk, normal or higher at 1-3 mo, and normal after 4 mo. A normal plasma cortisol response was observed throughout the test period in patients receiving alternate-day therapy after pulse therapy, whereas plasma cortisol response was gradually improved in patients receiving alternate-day therapy after several months of daily therapy.