Nature: American scientists discover key proteins that can treat depression
Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a key protein that helps ketamine rapidly produce antidepressant effects in the brain, a key to the replacement treatment of this increasingly used and controversial drug. step. Related articles are published online on June 21st in Nature.
Ketamine has generated great interest in the field of psychiatry because many studies have shown that ketamine can quickly stabilize patients with major depression. But ketamine is sometimes illegally used because of its psychedelic ingredients, which can interfere with memory and other brain functions, prompting scientists to find new drugs that can safely replicate their antidepressant effects without side effects.
Mechanism of action of ketamine
A new study by the Brain Research Institute at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has initiated a research project to answer questions critical to future research: What is the protein of the ketamine target in the brain?
Corresponding author Lisa Monteggia said: "Now we have a goal to study ways to safely induce antidepressant effects and develop drugs."
The new study, published in Nature, shows that ketamine blocks a protein responsible for a range of brain functions. Blockade of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor produces an initial antidepressant response, and the ketamine metabolite is responsible for prolonging the duration of the effect.
Blockade of the receptor also causes a hallucinogenic response to many ketamines. This drug has been used as an anesthetic for decades and may distort the senses and compromise coordination. But Professor Monteggia said that if appropriate medical treatment is taken, ketamine can treat patients with severe depression or suicidal tendencies in a quick and effective way.
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