Vol. 93, pp. 3908–3913, April 1996 | Yvette I. Sheline*, Po W. Wang*, Mokhtar H. Gado†‡, John G. Csernansky*, and Michael W. Vannier†‡
This study investigates the relationship between recurrent major depression and hippocampal atrophy using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a group of older women with a history of major depressive episodes. The researchers compared hippocampal volumes in these subjects to matched normal controls, finding that those with a history of major depression had significantly smaller left and right hippocampal volumes, with no differences in total cerebral volumes. The degree of hippocampal volume reduction correlated with the total duration of major depression. Additionally, large (diameter ≥ 4.5 mm) low signal foci (LSF) within the hippocampus were found, and their number also correlated with the total number of days depressed. These findings suggest that depression is associated with hippocampal atrophy, possibly due to a progressive process mediated by glucocorticoid neurotoxicity. The study highlights the potential role of hippocampal damage in the pathophysiology of depression and its long-term consequences.This study investigates the relationship between recurrent major depression and hippocampal atrophy using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a group of older women with a history of major depressive episodes. The researchers compared hippocampal volumes in these subjects to matched normal controls, finding that those with a history of major depression had significantly smaller left and right hippocampal volumes, with no differences in total cerebral volumes. The degree of hippocampal volume reduction correlated with the total duration of major depression. Additionally, large (diameter ≥ 4.5 mm) low signal foci (LSF) within the hippocampus were found, and their number also correlated with the total number of days depressed. These findings suggest that depression is associated with hippocampal atrophy, possibly due to a progressive process mediated by glucocorticoid neurotoxicity. The study highlights the potential role of hippocampal damage in the pathophysiology of depression and its long-term consequences.