Nitrous oxide as a putative novel dual-mechanism treatment for bipolar depression: Proof-of-concept study design and methodology.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Depressive symptoms predominate in the course of bipolar disorder (BD) and there is an urgent need to evaluate novel application of repurposed compounds that act on pre-specified treatment targets. Several lines of reasoning suggest that nitrous oxide (N₂O) is an ideal medication to study as a potential treatment and as a strategy to identify the underlying pathophysiology of bipolar depression. N₂O is a potent cerebral vasodilator and there is compelling evidence of reduced frontal cerebral blood flow (CBF; i.e. hypoperfusion) in depression. Therefore, N₂O may increase CBF and thereby improve symptoms of depression. The goal of this randomized, double-blind trial is to study the effect of a single administration of N₂O versu

SUBMITTER: Dimick MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7327241 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature