Rachel R Horsley

Psychedelic Research Center, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany, Czech Republic.

2 papers in the library · 17 citations · publishing 2022-2025

Papers

Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and behavioural studies of deschloroketamine in Wistar rats.

British journal of pharmacology January 1, 2022 Kristýna Štefková-mazochová, Hynek Danda, Wim Dehaen et al. 13 citations

Deschloroketamine (DCK), a structural analogue of ketamine sold as a recreational drug, was tested in Wistar rats to examine its pharmacokinetics, acute effects, and addictive potential. DCK rapidly entered the brain, with peak levels at 30 minutes and sustained high levels for 2 hours. It blocks NMDA receptors similarly to ketamine, with the S-enantiomer more potent. DCK stimulated locomotion, induced place preference (a sign of reward), and strongly disrupted prepulse inhibition (PPI). Locomotor stimulation faded faster than PPI disruption. S-DCK had stronger stimulatory effects than R-DCK, but both equally disrupted PPI. DCK's behavioral and addictive profiles resemble ketamine's, with a slightly slower clearance, matching its reported longer duration. These findings clarify risks of illicit DCK use.

DOI: 10.1111/bph.15680 Full text Nmda receptor Deschloroketamine Enantiomers Locomotion +2

The antidepressant potential of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine: A detailed review of pre-clinical findings.

European journal of pharmacology July 15, 2025 Isis Koutrouli, Kristýna Mazochová, Rachel R Horsley 4 citations

A selective review of preclinical rodent studies suggests that (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R,6R)-HNK), a metabolite of ketamine, reduces behavioral despair, anhedonia, anxiety, and social avoidance in both stressed and non-stressed animals. Antidepressant effects appear rapidly (within 30 minutes) and last up to 21 days at doses between 5 and 125 mg/kg. However, some studies failed to find significant effects at doses below 40 mg/kg, particularly in models with pre-induced depression. No major adverse effects were reported, though side-effect data were limited. The authors conclude that (2R,6R)-HNK shows promise as a next-generation antidepressant but requires further research on long-term safety and mechanisms.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177604 Full text Behavioral despair Hydroxynorketamine Learned helplessness Pre-clinical +5