Besides acting on neurones, fluoxetine and other SSRIs affect astrocytes; in the context of major depression, SSRI treatment reverses both astrocytic atrophy and the decrease in astrocyte numbers in animal models.405,432 Incidentally, acupuncture at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint that is used to treat depressive symptoms, prevented the development of both astrocytic atrophy and depressive-like behaviours in mice subjected to chronic stress regimen.409 Surprisingly, the main molecular target of SSRIs in astrocytes is not the SERT but rather 5-HT2B serotonin receptors. This evidence concerns the gene SLC6A4 and major depressive disorder.