While previous research has hypothesized that there is a correlation between depression and a depleted level of these monoamines in the synapse, proof is lacking. Studies show that inhibitor drugs such as selegiline increase the amount of monoamines available by inhibiting the levels of monoamine oxidase, but there is no data on selegiline’s specific impact. These studies demonstrate that monoamine oxidase antidepressant drugs increase the egg-laying rate and change the lipid composition of C. elegans. These results show that these drugs are causing changes that induce increased activity of neurological stimulants such as elongase I and elongase II, enzymes key in lipid metabolism regulation. Additionally, there is a shift to polyunsaturated fatty acids from saturated fatty acids - molecules that serve as precursors in the lipid membrane. The different drugs induced different changes to the lipid composition, likely because of the various different pathways that impact depressive behavior, showcasing that each patient needs specialized care when being treated for depression.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Wynn, Jordan

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042522-192957
• 63541

Advisor

• Srinivasan, Jagan
• Gericke, Arne

Year

• 2022

Date created

• 2022-04-25

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright