Neuroprotective Effects of Esketamine in Central Nervous System Disorders: Mechanisms and Cellular Targets
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology March 11, 2026 Chendi Zhao, Yang Wang, Jinglang Wu et al.
Esketamine, the right-handed form of ketamine, blocks the NMDA receptor and is used as an anesthetic that reduces postoperative pain and opioid use. It also shows fast-acting antidepressant effects. Beyond anesthesia, esketamine has anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant properties in various diseases. This review describes esketamine's neuroprotective effects in central nervous system disorders, detailing how it influences neuronal apoptosis, microglial polarization, and astrocytic functions. The underlying molecular mechanisms involve inflammatory pathways and signaling cascades in neurological disorders.