Shared effects of electroconvulsive shocks and ketamine on neuroplasticity: A systematic review of animal models of depression.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews September 1, 2024 Jesca E De Jager, Rutger Boesjes, Gijs H J Roelandt et al. 13 citations
Electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) and ketamine are fast-acting antidepressant treatments whose shared neurobiological mechanisms are explored in this systematic review of animal models of depression. Both interventions consistently increase hippocampal neurogenesis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. They also positively affect glutamatergic neurotransmission, astrocyte and neuronal morphology, synaptic density, vasculature, and functional plasticity. Restoration of neuroplasticity may be a common mechanism underlying their antidepressant efficacy. Fewer studies have examined these processes after ECS. Understanding these shared fundamental mechanisms could help develop novel therapeutic approaches for severe depression.