Molecular pathways of ketamine: A systematic review of immediate and sustained effects on PTSD.
Psychopharmacology June 1, 2025 Nathan J Wellington, Ana P Boųcas, Jim Lagopoulos et al. 16 citations
Ketamine's immediate effects on PTSD involve changes in GABA, glutamate, and glutamine levels that trigger re-regulation of BDNF, enhancing synaptic plasticity via pathways such as TrkB and PSD-95, along with other molecular influences. Sustained therapeutic effects arise from neurotransmitter remodulations and prolonged changes in gene expression, including mTOR-mediated BDNF expression and epigenetic modifications. These molecular changes promote long-term synaptic stability and re-regulation in key brain regions. Understanding these sustained mechanisms is critical for developing safe and effective personalised treatments.