From synapse to strategy: a bibliometric map of ionotropic glutamate receptors in depression.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology April 28, 2026 Yunsheng Liu, Rongde Zhong, Fenyong Yao et al.
Since 1975, research on ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) in depression has grown 7.31% annually, with the United States and China leading publication output. The field has shifted from basic synaptic mechanisms to clinical applications, particularly NMDA receptors and treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine therapy exemplifies a successful translation from preclinical models to rapid-acting antidepressants. A bibliometric analysis of 6,843 publications maps this evolution, identifies key collaborative networks, and highlights knowledge gaps to guide future development of next-generation antidepressants.