KETAMINE: Neural- and network-level changes.
Neuroscience November 1, 2024 Vishal Bharmauria, Hamidreza Ramezanpour, Afef Ouelhazi et al.
Ketamine alters neural activity by modulating firing rates, tuning, oscillations, and modularity while promoting hypersynchrony and random connectivity between neurons. Topical application to the visual cortex reduces firing variability and increases connectivity. A dendritic model of these changes suggests potential for focused modulation of cortical networks in clinical settings. The authors call for more animal experiments to translate these findings into therapies combining ketamine with training or adaptation. Investigating ketamine's systemic effects may deepen understanding of cognition and consciousness and advance treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.