Why glutamate matters in major depressive disorder

The most abundant

excitatory neurotransmitter1-3

Of all neurons in the CNS3-5:

  • 40% are glutamatergic
  • <1% are serotonergic
  • <1% are dopaminergic

Key roles

as a neurotransmitter1,3:
  • Involved in learning, memory, cognition, mood regulation
  • Neuronal growth and restructuring (neuroplasticity)

Glutamate dysfunction

is involved in3:
  • Mood disorders
  • Cognitive disorders
Modulating glutamate pathways in the brain is an emerging approach to treating MDD and other mood disorders3