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In humans, stressful or traumatic life events such as death of a close relative often represent a chronic psychological load that can lead to central nervous diseases such as depression. We are investigating central nervous processes that occur in the course of chronic psychosocial stress in animals that show similar symptoms as depressed patients.
Changes in neurotransmitter systems, receptors, transporters and other molecules are investigated using molecular biology methods to quantify expression of genes in combination with in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry to localize the changes in distinct neurons of the brain. The effects of antidepressants are investigated with the same tools to elucidate mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of these drugs. In conjunction with behavioral studies we are able to find neuromolecular factors that contribute to emotional behavior in the animals.
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Address:
German Primate Center
Department of Neurobiology
Kellnerweg 4
37077 Göttingen
Germany
phone:+49-551-38 51133
fax:+49-551-38 51137
e-mail: 
Further Information:
http://www.dpz.clineu/
people/
fluegge/start.htm
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Fuchs E, Flügge G (2002) Social stress in tree shrews. Effects on physiology, brain function, and behavior of subordinate individuals. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 73: 247-58
Flügge G, Kramer M, Fuchs E (2001) Chronic subordination stress in male tree shrews: replacement of testosterone affects behavior and central alpha2-adrenoceptors. Physiol. Behav 73: 293-300
Meyer H, Palchaudhuri M, Scheinin M, Flügge G (2000) Regulation of alpha2A-adrenoceptor expression by chronic stress in neurons of the brain stem. Brain Research 880: 147-158
Isovich I, Mijnster MJ, Flügge G, Fuchs E (2000) Chronic psychosocial stress reduces the density of dopamine transporters. Eur J Neurosci 12: 1071-1078
Flügge G (2000) Regulation of monoamine receptors in the brain: dynamic changes during stress. Int Rev Cytology 195: 145-213
Flügge G (1999) Effects of cortisol on brain alpha2-adrenoceptors: potential role in stress. Neuroscience Biobehav Rev 23: 949-956
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