Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and initial antidepressant response to an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

A model has been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of mood disorders based on decreased neurotrophin levels during mood episodes; treatment with antidepressants and mood stabilizers is associated with clinical improvement. This study investigated whether changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are associated with the initial antidepressant effects of ketamine, a high-affinity N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist.

Method

Twenty-three subjects aged 18 to 65 years with DSM-IV major depressive disorder (treatment resistant) participated in this study, which was conducted between October 2006 and May 2008. The subjects were given an open-label intravenous infusion of ketamine hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg) and rated using various depression scales

SUBMITTER: Machado-Vieira R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2819547 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature