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Study reveals how antidepressant boosts brain plasticity

The researchers also analyzed gene expression specifically in PV+ interneurons following fluoxetine treatment. They found changes related to GABAergic synapses, axon guidance, and enzymes involved in the formation of perineuronal net (PNN), an extracellular matrix surrounding PV+ interneurons, which plays a role in regulating neuronal plasticity. Moreover, they observed a decrease in the number of PV+ interneurons with PNN and a reduction in the intensity of PNN following fluoxetine treatment, indicating enhanced plasticity of PV+ interneurons. However, this effect was attenuated in mice with lower TrkB receptor expression in PV+ interneurons.