Fluoxetine-induced neurogenesis and chronic antidepressant effects requires the dopamine D2 receptor

This study demonstrates that the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is essential for the long-term therapeutic effects of fluoxetine (an SSRI) on mood and hippocampal neurogenesis in mouse models of depression. The research reveals that D2R signaling through beta-arrestin 2 and BDNF regulation is crucial for chronic antidepressant action, though not required for acute responses to the drug.