Project Summary

J. John Mann, M.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2008) of Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, plans to test and evaluate a hypothesis regarding the mechanism of action of the extremely rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine, an anesthetic drug. This research holds promise for development of new treatments for major depressive disorder that could alleviate the morbidity and mortality associated with the delayed onset of action of current antidepressants. Intravenous doses of ketamine administered at subanesthetic levels have shown antidepressant-like effects in animal models and in small human trials. Ketamine influences the activity of glutamate, a major neurotransmitter, causing a surge in glutamate release and a decrease in the activity of a glutamate receptor. Among the questions Dr. Mann wants to clarify with the aid of brain imaging technology is whether both the receptor blockade and the glutamine surge are necessary for ketamine’s antidepressant efficacy. He also wants to ascertain whether the glutamate release induced by ketamine is proportionate to the degree of improvements in symptoms of depression.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar

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