Using Dendrimers for Targeted Perineuronal Net Digestion

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects survivors of devastating events, from service in active combat zones to sexual assault and natural disasters. Symptoms such as traumatic flashbacks, hyperarousal, avoidance, and emotional withdrawal can complicate everyday processes like eating, sleeping, and maintaining relationships. Current treatments for PTSD such as psychotherapy and antidepressant and antipsychotic medications often exhibit negligible efficacy and potentially severe side effects.

Here, we present a possible alternative treatment of PTSD using dendrimers as vehicles for targeted delivery of drug molecules. The encapsulated drug would degrade perineuronal nets, which have recently been shown to promote the formation of experience-dependent memories. Their disintegration would allow for the selective erasure of fear-dependent memories, reducing the effects of PTSD dramatically and permanently.

Explore our website and discover how we can provide a better quality of life to sufferers of PTSD.