Cholinergic Conundrum: A Pharmacological Perspective on the Acetylcholine Enigma of Depression

Abstract

The cholinergic hypothesis of depression has emerged as a compelling framework for understanding and treating this widespread mental health disorder. In this issue of Current Reviews in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, the review of Pannu and Goyal provides a timely review of the role of acetylcholine in depression [1]. The authors elegantly trace the historical development of the cholinergic theory and examine both preclinical and clinical evidence. It is noted that the complex etiology of depression has long puzzled researchers. While the monoamine hypothesis has dominated neurobiological research, the significance of the cholinergic system in mood regulation is gaining traction. This change opens new avenues for pharmacotherapeutic interventions. The review integrated evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies and highlighted potential cholinergic-based treatments for depressive symptoms, thus complementing the existing monoaminergic strategies.