Compounds That Could Thwart Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Identified

Anantha Shakar and his team from Indiana University have found compounds that could prevent the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder. The two compounds, IC87201 and ZL006 stop the production of nitrous oxide (a neurotransmitter in the brain) and have been shown to reduce responses to fear in rats. Normally, traumatic experiences are saved into our memory using the same pathway as normal learning and memory formation. Glutamate activates NMDA receptors that causes the production of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide production is thought to be important in forming fear memories. When this production is disrupted the hypersensitivity to fear from repeated intense activation of that brain network is lowered. This means it could alleviate multiple symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. To treat patients, these molecules would be administered within a few hours of the traumatic experience.

This is a very interesting article to me due to the current rise in the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in American soldiers returning from war and the fact that my brother will soon be entering into the armed forces. Current research estimates that anywhere between 11-20% of American veteran from the Afghanistan and Iraqi wars suffer from PTSD. The increase in PTSD has also meant that for the sixth year in a row the number of veteran soldier suicide has increased. Administering these molecules would be quick and easy and could play a big role in reducing the current PTSD statistics.




http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121015162413.htm