4-F-PCP, a Novel PCP Analog Ameliorates the Depressive-Like Behavior of Chronic Social Defeat Stress Mice via NMDA Receptor Antagonism
Biomolecules & Therapeutics February 15, 2023 Darlene Mae Ortiz, Mikyung Kim, Hyun Jun Lee et al. 3 citations
A novel compound called 4-F-PCP, structurally similar to ketamine and an NMDA receptor antagonist, shows antidepressant-like effects in mice. Doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg produced rapid and sustained effects, and repeated treatments remained effective. The compound reversed depression-related changes in synaptic plasticity proteins and altered excitatory amino acid transporters. At a 3 mg/kg dose, 4-F-PCP did not impair cognitive function in mice after up to 21 days of treatment. These findings suggest that 4-F-PCP may offer a faster-acting antidepressant with fewer side effects, though further research is needed.