Acute ketamine connectivity changes in patients with major depression
Proceedings on CD-ROM - International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. Scientific Meeting and Exhibition/Proceedings of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Scientific Meeting and Exhibition – September 16, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Ketamine shows promise as a rapid-acting antidepressant, with significant changes in brain connectivity observed after its administration. In a double-blind clinical trial involving 40 participants, those receiving ketamine exhibited altered functional connectivity linked to NMDA receptor density. This suggests that ketamine's mechanism of action may involve specific receptor interactions crucial for treating major depressive disorder. By mapping these changes, this approach could enhance the evaluation of new mental health treatments, offering hope for improved outcomes in depression management.
Abstract
Motivation: The exact mechanism of action of the rapid acting acting antidepressant ketamine is unknown. Goal(s): Investigation of the functional connectivity changes after acute ketamine in relation to receptor density. Approach: In a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial an infusion of ketamine or placebo was administered during resting state fMRI at 3T and functional connectivity was compared to receptor density maps. Results: The functional connectivity changes found correlate well with several receptors known to be involved with depression. Impact: This approach could be used to evaluate the effects of novel therapeutics in the brain.