Attenuation of amygdala atrophy with lamotrigine in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Excessive corticosteroid exposure is associated with atrophic effects on the human hippocampus and amygdala. These effects seem to be, at least in part, mediated through corticosteroid-induced release of glutamate. We previously reported that lamotrigine, a glutamate release inhibitor, significantly improved declarative memory but did not change hippocampal volume, as compared with placebo, in corticosteroid-treated patients. To our knowledge, no data are available on preventing or reversing the impact of corticosteroids on the amygdala.

Methods

We examined the effects of 24 weeks of randomized placebo-controlled lamotrigine therapy on amygdala volume and mood in 28 corticosteroid-treated patients (n = 12, placebo; n = 16, lamotrigine). Amygdala volumes were measu

SUBMITTER: Desai S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3161623 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature