Enhanced Brain Cell Growth Following Injury Observed in Initial Antidepressant Research
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, neurosurgeons at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that the anti-depressant imipramine (Tofranil) may play a significant role in promoting brain repair after injury.
The study, led by Jason Huang, M.D., an associate professor of Neurosurgery and the chief of Neurosurgery at Highland Hospital, found that imipramine stimulates neurogenesis—the birth of new neurons—in the brain following damage. This could potentially improve functional recovery after brain injury.
The research team, which includes post-doctoral associates Xiaodi Han, M.D., Ph.D., Jing Tong, M.D., and Jiankai Yang, M.D.; neurosurgery resident Arash Farahvar, M.D.; undergraduate Ernest Wang; Jun Zhang, M.D. of the Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing; Uzma Samadani, M.D., Ph.D., of New York University; and Douglas H. Smith, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, observed that mice treated with imipramine had approximately 70 percent more neurons after four weeks than mice that did not receive the medication. Moreover, these newly formed brain cells survived at a higher rate, suggesting that imipramine may help them to thrive.
The benefits of imipramine did not extend to the motor skills of the mice, but the team did note an improvement in memory. Mice treated with imipramine performed better in a novel object recognition test, demonstrating a better memory capacity.
Huang's work is based on his experiences treating soldiers and civilians, including those affected by traumatic brain injury. He emphasises the importance of treating such injuries aggressively, often involving surgery, protective procedures, and rehabilitation.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and by the University of Rochester. The drug, imipramine, is already FDA-approved and clinically used, which could expedite its potential application in brain repair treatments.
It is worth noting that half of patients with traumatic brain injury are estimated to experience depression. This study offers hope for these individuals, as it suggests that beyond its role in treating depression, imipramine may have therapeutic benefits in supporting brain healing and regeneration after trauma.
The team suspects that the molecule BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) may play a role in the brain's response to anti-depressants. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and to determine the full potential of imipramine in brain repair.
This research underscores the inherent mechanism the brain has to repair itself to some extent, as well as the potential for existing drugs to be repurposed for new therapeutic uses. As Huang states, "The brain is capable of healing itself, and we're learning more about the tools it uses to do that."
- The groundbreaking study in the Journal of Neurotrauma indicates that imipramine, a drug already in use for mental health treatment, may not only improve mental health but also aide in physical brain repair after injury, opening doors for health-and-wellness interventions in both spheres.
- In the realm of mental health and patient care, traumatic brain injury patients who often face mental health challenges like depression could benefit from repurposed therapeutics like imipramine, as this study suggests the drug may support brain healing and regeneration, providing hope for improved patient care outcomes.
