Figure 3

Role of hippocampal neurogenesis in depression. Hippocampal neuroplasticity is increasingly viewed as central in the ethiopathogenesis of depression. Chronic exposure to stressors leads to dendritic atrophy on pre-existing granular neurons and compromises the generation of new neurons during adulthood. Data discussed herein strongly suggests that such impairments in the neurogenic process are likely attributable to dysfunctions in the epigenetic regulation of neurogenesis, possibly leading to the multidimensional behavioural deficits associated to depression. Conversely, the question whether the pro-neurogenic action of antidepressants (ADs), which allows to restore normal cognitive function, may be epigenetically mediated remains also to be elucidated.