www.sciencedaily.com
Reduced brain energy signaling in the hippocampus, specifically a decline in ATP levels, triggers depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Stress significantly lowered ATP. Manipulating connexin 43, a protein crucial for ATP release, mimicked these effects even without stress, demonstrating its critical role. Conversely, restoring connexin 43 function led to improvements in mood-related behaviors, suggesting that targeting this energy pathway could be a promising therapeutic avenue for mood disorders. The research highlights the connection between brain energy metabolism and mental health.
