Can selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a neuroprotective effect during COVID-19?

Author(s)

Costa, Luis H. A. ^[1] ; Santos, Bruna M. ^[1] ; Branco, Luiz G. S. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent Ribeirao Preto, Dept Basic & Oral Biol, BR-14040904 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: European Journal of Pharmacology; v. 889, DEC 15 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

The absence of a specific treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection led to an intense global effort in order to find new therapeutic interventions and improve patient outcomes. One important feature of COVID-19 pathophysiology is the activation of immune cells, with consequent massive production and release of inflammatory mediators that may cause impairment of several organ functions, including the brain. In addition to its classical role as a neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has immunomodulatory properties, downregulating the inflammatory response by central and peripheral mechanisms. In this review, we describe the roles of 5-HT in the regulation of systemic inflammation and the potential benefits of the use of specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors as a coadjutant therapy to attenuate neurological complications of COVID-19. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/27231-9 - Effect of fluvoxamine on neuroimmune alterations in septic rats
• Grantee: Luís Henrique Angenendt da Costa
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 16/17681-9 - Pathophysiological changes during systemic inflammation
• Grantee: Luiz Guilherme de Siqueira Branco
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants