Wash U. Study: Mice Might Hold Clues to Human Depression
St. Louis – Researchers at Washington University say a study of mice could offer insight into human depression.
The St. Louis researchers say engineered mice missing a specific protein from their brains react to stress differently.
The engineered mice develop an imbalance in a hormone involved in stress responses. During stressful situations, they behave as if they are depressed.
The scientists say genetic variations in the same protein may be a significant cause of human depression.
Their report is published in the upcoming Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.