Researchers have discovered that ketamine’s antidepressant effects target astroglia, a type of brain support cell, rather than neurons, challenging conventional views. In zebrafish and mice, scientists found that ketamine suppressed “giving up” behavior caused by futility signals, which is linked to astroglial activation.
The study suggests that targeting astroglia may be a new approach to treating depression. The researchers used whole-brain imaging to reveal that ketamine increased the amount of calcium at astrocytes, activating these cells for many minutes after administration. This activation reduced the astroglia’s response to futility signals, making the fish more robust in behavioral situations and less likely to give up.
The findings were confirmed in mice, where the same mechanism was observed. The researchers found that acute ketamine exposure induced astrocyte hyperactivation, which increased perseverance in behavioral tests. The study provides evidence of cross-species conservation, suggesting that similar mechanisms may exist in humans.
While the exact mechanisms are still unclear, the study suggests that targeting norepinephrine and astroglia may be a promising approach to treating depression. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of this new therapeutic strategy.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/ketamine-astroglia-psychopharmacology-28264