The Neuronal Glutamate Transporter EAAT3 in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

ABSTRACT: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder affecting 1%-3% of the population worldwide. About half of OCD afflicted individuals do not respond to currently available pharmacotherapy, which is mainly based on serotonin reuptake inhibition. Therefore, there is a critical need to search novel and improved therapeutic targets to treat this devastating disorder. In recent years, accumulating evidence has supported the glutamatergic hypothesis of OCD, and particularly pointing a potential role for the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAT3. This mini-review summarizes recent findings regarding the neurobiological basis of OCD, with an emphasis on the glutamatergic neurotransmission and EAAT3 as a key player in OCD etiology.

SUBMITTER: Escobar AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6872633 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature