Abstract
The noncompetitive NMDA receptor blocker ketamine provides significant improvement to patients suffering from depression but its mechanistic pathways are not fully understood. The endogenous opioid system is known to be dysregulated in patients with depression. Ketamine is known to interact with the opioid system either directly or indirectly through the release of endogenous opioids. In this review, I am discussing the potential role that might be played by the endogenous opioid system in conferring the antidepressant effect of ketamine and emphasizing that the modulation of the opioid system by ketamine warrants in-depth investigation for potential antidepressant effect.
Highlights
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major public health problem
I am discussing the potential role that might be played by the endogenous opioid system in conferring the antidepressant effect of ketamine and emphasizing that the modulation of the opioid system by ketamine warrants in-depth investigation for potential antidepressant effect
Several studies have reported the antidepressant effect of ketamine and it is well recognized as alternative option in the management of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) (Mathew et al, 2012)
Summary
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major public health problem. Current treatment options fail to achieve adequate remission in about 30% of the patient population (Rush et al, 2006). Recent studies have shown that drugs that modulate the glutamatergic transmission seem to be a promising tool in the management of Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) (Connolly and Thase, 2012). Several studies have reported the antidepressant effect of ketamine and it is well recognized as alternative option in the management of TRD (Mathew et al, 2012). Ketamine is unique in providing acute response in depressed patients (Dowben et al, 2013). This issue warrants an in depth investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms which are, up to date, still unclear. Research in Neurology: An International Journal action by which ketamine may produce its antidepressant effect. This review is an invitation for researchers to consider the investigation of the opioid-ketamine link shedding more light on the pharmacology of ketamine and the pathophysiology of depression
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
