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
- Vanessa Sierra reveals suicidal thoughts in battle with depressionon January 24, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Bernard Tomic’s girlfriend Vanessa Sierra has apologised for offending anyone with her hotel quarantine complaints and revealed the extent of the backlash as she opened up about her mental health ...
- UB doctor offers advice on how to cope with seasonal depressionon January 24, 2021 at 6:18 am
Gray skies and dreary days aren't doing much to help our moods, especially for people with seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression.
- Depression Is Increasingly Common, So Here’s What You Need to Knowon January 24, 2021 at 5:23 am
With depression rising since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, activist Christy Tending discusses what to know if you are new to depression.
- Not ‘just depression.’ She seemed trapped in a downward mental health spiral. The real cause was a profound shock.on January 22, 2021 at 6:15 pm
I thought her depression was just really bad.” Months earlier Blaine had lost her job of 10 years and she seemed trapped in a downward spiral. Brittney, who is five years younger, was due to be ...
- My Public History with Depression Turned Out to Be a Dealbreaker On Dateson January 22, 2021 at 12:47 pm
It's ignorance that makes my depression a dealbreaker for some partners, and I don't have time for ignorant men.
- A blood test could diagnose depression and bipolar disorderon January 22, 2021 at 10:48 am
A new study has shown that levels of a nerve growth factor are lower in people with depression or bipolar disorder than in healthy controls.
- Depression in new fathers connected to relationship insecuritieson January 22, 2021 at 8:06 am
Becoming a parent often brings great joy, but not always. Parenthood also entails challenges, stress and, for some people, it can trigger depression. A new study from Lund University in Sweden shows ...
- Derby's Ibe: I am suffering with depressionon January 22, 2021 at 4:51 am
Derby winger Jordon Ibe has said he is suffering from depression in an emotional post on Instagram. The 25-year-old joined Championship side Derby from Bournemouth at the end of last season and has ...
- Coping Through COVID: A grieving mother loses her son and fights depression in the early stages of the pandemicon January 22, 2021 at 4:00 am
Mischelle Campbell provides a 2020 timeline of dreadful events including losing her son to suicide and catching COVID-19.
- Drinking is up for people with depression during COVIDon January 21, 2021 at 10:40 am
Both young people and older adults with anxiety or depression report drinking more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
via Bing News
