Dynamic quantitative monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid monoamine neurotransmitter markers during the modeling process of chronic stress‐induced depression in monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

Abstract Background Depression is known as the “mental cold” and is also considered a major cause of disability worldwide. It is estimated that over 300 million people worldwide suffer from severe depression, equivalent to 4.4% of the world's population. The monoamine hypothesis of depression predicts the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of depression, but in‐depth research has failed to find convincing evidence. Method In this study, we will dynamically and strictly quantitatively monitor the concentration changes of monoamine transmitters in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of macaques, based on our previous work. In the experiment, timed and quantitative collection of CSF samples from macaques was performed and the concentration of monoamine transmitters was determined. Result The results showed that after 2 months of chronic stress, the concentrations of high vanillin acid (HVA) and 3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenylacetic acid were significantly higher in the maternal separation (MS) group, whereas there was no significant difference in dopamine and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Conclusion This study is the first to observe the long‐term dynamic relationship between early adversity, chronic stress, adolescent depression, and CSF monoamine concentrations. The research suggests that MS and chronic stress play an undeniable role in the pathogenesis of depression and that concentrations of HVA and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid are likely to serve as early markers of depressive‐like symptoms in macaques.

Keywords

• chronic stress
• depression
• early adversity
• monoamine transmitters