"Revealing Ketamine's Dual-Action Antidepressant Mechanisms: New Research Insights"

Researchers at Northwestern University have uncovered the dual mechanisms behind ketamine's rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, shedding light on its potential for developing safer antidepressant medications. The study, published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, revealed that ketamine's immediate effects are due to its stimulation of newly born neurons' activity, while its prolonged effects result from increased production of newborn neurons. This increase is facilitated by decreased Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling, offering insights into potential combination therapies with conventional antidepressants.