There will be cure for sadness

Scientists have found a chemical that makes mice fall into sadness after being separated from the herd. The findings could lead to the introduction of pharmaceuticals for depressed patients due to loss of loved ones.

The research team, consisting of scientists from Emory University (USA) and University of Regensburg (Germany), selected hamsters as subjects to understand the biological mechanism that causes depression syndrome. Unlike 95% of mammals, hamsters have a very deep affection for their kind, especially among blood relatives.

Scientists choose many rat families. In each family they separate one and then take them to another place. The remaining members of the family can still be together.

Observations showed that the level of anxiety in all rats increased, but only rats separated from the herd showed signs of depression. Many children lie in one place and refuse to eat or drink.

Subsequent analyzes showed that the concentration of a chemical in the brain called "corticotropin release factor" increased in all mice, especially those separated from the herd. This is a neurotransmitter that controls the brain's response to stress.

The team injected a compound into the rat's body to prevent the effect of this chemical. They found sad, restless, depressed expressions in the mice disappearing. If it is proved that "corticotropin release factor" also causes depression syndrome in humans, scientists can develop suitable medicines for treatment.

"Relaxing mental pain in people who have lost relatives can become a reality in the future," said Oliver Bosch, a member of the research team.