Chronic depression is marked by loss of synapses and connection between brain cells. A new study shows that the number of dendrite spines increased a day after mice were administered NV-5138, an experimental small molecule drug which mimics the effects of ketamine on depression. The image above shows spine-synapse density in the medial prefrontal cortex before (top) and after NV-5138 treatment (bottom).
A new small-molecule drug produced a rapid antidepressant response similar to that of ketamine when tested in mice, a new Yale-led study published April 16 in The Journal of Clinical Investigation shows.
The effects of the drug, called NV-5138, in rodent models mimicked the rapid actions of the anesthetic ketamine, a variation of which, Esketamine, was recently approved by the FDA for use in depressed patients who do not respond to other medications. However, there still remain lingering safety concerns over use of ketamine, as well as Esketamine, both of which have the potential to induce psychosis-like states and also have a potential for abuse.
“Recent research has raised the possibility that a new drug, such as NV-5138, could be developed that is rapid-acting but also more efficacious and safer than current formulations of ketamine,” said senior author Ron Duman, the Elizabeth Mears and House Jameson Professor of Psychiatry and professor of neuroscience.
The experimental drug does not directly stimulate neuronal activity like ketamine, but like ketamine, it spurs the growth of synapses or connections between neurons, the loss of which is associated with chronic stress and depression. The research team also showed that synaptic connectivity markers were rapidly restored in a mouse model of anhedonia, a core symptom of depression marked by an inability to experience pleasure. Mice administered a single dose of the drug also showed marked improvements in other depression-related behaviors.
The drug is being developed by Navitor Pharmaceuticals Inc., which funded the study. It is currently undergoing Phase I testing in human patients.
Learn more: New drug mimics benefits of ketamine for depression
The Latest on: Depression
via Google News
The Latest on: Depression
- Huw Edwards Discusses Mental Health, Grief and His 20-year Struggle with Depressionon May 24, 2022 at 10:09 pm
Late last year, the BBC’s chief newsreader admitted to a 20-year struggle with debilitating depression. Here with MH, he discusses mental health, grief, Welshness and the future of Auntie ...
- IU researchers develop blood test for depression, bipolar disorderon May 24, 2022 at 8:55 pm
After 15 years of careful research and study spent working with more than 1,000 patients with mental health issues, a team of researchers at IU School of Medicine have created a blood test that can ...
- When the Bubble Bursts: A New Approach to Depressionon May 24, 2022 at 11:57 am
The symptoms of depression can dramatically transform a person’s life, daily routine, behavior, and relationships. A depressive experience is common, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, ...
- Huw Edwards: Depression left me unable to get out of bedon May 24, 2022 at 2:00 am
Huw Edwards reveals that his bouts with depression left him unable to to get out of bed but has turned to boxing in order to combat his struggles with mental health.
- Alzheimer's Foundation of America's tips for caregivers to combat depressionon May 23, 2022 at 11:15 pm
Depression is a serious and common challenge facing the more than 16 million Americans caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers of individuals living with dementia-relate ...
- John Mulaney Gets Honest About ‘Idea People Have’ Related To Comedians And Depression And How It Always Gets Thrown Around With Robin Williamson May 23, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Oftentimes, depression is linked with tragic deaths in the medium, most notably with the late actor Robin Williams. It seemed the correlation didn’t sit well with comedian John Mulaney. The Chip n’ ...
- Mental Health Matters: It's OK to talk about depression. It could save a life.on May 23, 2022 at 5:00 am
People are talking about mental illness, and the more we normalize it, the more we chip away at misconceptions and misinformation.
- Cleo’s world was darkened by depression. Reconnecting brought back some colouron May 22, 2022 at 9:31 am
The very act of talking about it in a supportive environment can provide some comfort for many who are depressed ...
- Depression, loneliness associated with increased hospitalization risk after COVID-19on May 20, 2022 at 7:17 am
People who reported in a survey that they felt worried, depressed or lonely had a greater chance of being hospitalized after a COVID-19 diagnosis, suggests a study funded by the National Institutes of ...
- Watching for and Treating Depression or Anxiety in Pregnant Women and New Momson May 19, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Intermountain Healthcare experts say up to 1 in 8 women in Utah experience postpartum depression, but they can receive help (PRUnderground) May 19th, ...
via Bing News