Abstract
Neurogenesis is a process associated with the formation of new nerve cells. This review summarizes the influence of psychotropic drugs on neurogenesis in the adult mammalian hippocampus.
Opiates, stimulants and chronic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration decrease proliferation of progenitor cells; some drugs also influence the maturation (morphine) and survival (morphine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Hippocampal neurogenesis does not seem to be affected by the administration of hallucinogens (lysergic acid diethylamide, 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine) or high doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
On the other hand, antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor have stimulating effect on neurogenesis, which is probably mediated by increased levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor