In an in vitro model of diabetes-induced depression, using a hippocampal neurovascular unit (NVU) that contained hippocampal neurons, astrocytes, and microvascular endothelial cells from rats incubated in a hyperglycemic milieu, the activation of GR by corticosterone caused an impairment in the barrier function in clear association with neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal NVU. Here, NR3C1 is linked to major depressive disorder.