A study led by researchers from China and the United States has uncovered the mechanism through which ketamine operates within the nervous system, potentially paving the way for its application in the treatment of depression with immediate effects.
The findings were published in the journal Science during the first week of August. Scientists stated that the use of ketamine “is considered the most significant advancement in the field of mental health in decades.” More importantly, it is crucial to understand how this substance works.
“Given the rapid and robust antidepressant effects of ketamine, the challenge lies in understanding its targets in the brain,” the study emphasizes.
The researchers indicated that this medication activates positive feelings in the brain by inhibiting activity in a specific area, making depressed individuals more positive and lively. Ketamine can alleviate symptoms of depression within minutes, with effects lasting for several days.
The team, led by neuroscientists from Zhejiang University, discovered that administering ketamine to depressed mice inhibited neural activity in a brain region associated with the condition, known as the habenula. A single ketamine injection blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), leading to increased neural activity and thereby reducing depressive symptoms.
A vial of ketamine used in a research facility in the US, July 2018. (Photo: NPR).
This discovery could help professionals better understand the mechanism of ketamine as an antidepressant, thus facilitating the development of effective and targeted treatment methods. Traditional antidepressants still target neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, often taking weeks to become effective.
However, ketamine is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including Vietnam and China, where the research was conducted. Beijing has previously submitted multiple proposals to the United Nations urging the classification of ketamine as a globally illegal drug due to rising abuse levels.
Some long-term side effects of ketamine include irreparable bladder damage, cognitive impairment, and liver damage. Scientists also question the sustainability of the drug’s effectiveness. While ketamine has a short half-life, its antidepressant effects can last for several days, according to the study.
A 2019 study by American experts yielded similar results. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ketamine administered at sub-anesthetic doses improved mood in many patients with severe depression. The double-blind study is a method where both the actual drug and the placebo are given to groups, with both the patients and the doctors unaware of which is which, as they share the same form, color, and taste. Statistical analysis of improvements and effectiveness is conducted by a third party.
