[Targeting NMDAR/AMPAR: a promising pharmacotherapeutic approach for depressive disorders].
Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova – January 01, 2024
Source: PubMed
Summary
Recent breakthroughs reveal that glutamate, not just serotonin, plays a crucial role in depression treatment. While traditional antidepressants target serotonin pathways, rapid-acting alternatives like ketamine work by modulating NMDA and AMPA receptors in the brain. This dual-pathway approach shows remarkable promise in treating severe depression, especially in cases where conventional medications fall short.
Abstract
Depression is a leading cause of disability and reduced work capacity worldwide. The monoamine theory of the pathogenesis of depression has remained dominant for many decades, however, drugs developed on its basis have limited efficacy. Exploring alternative mechanisms underlying this pathology could illuminate new avenues for pharmacological intervention. Targeting glutamatergic pathways in the CNS, particularly through modulation of NMDA and AMPA receptors, demonstrates promising results. This review presents some existing drugs with glutamatergic activity and novel developments based on it to enhance the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for depressive disorders.