Ketamine and BDNF

Exciting research reveals that BDNF may be a central mechanism through which ketamine alleviates depression, acting almost like a growth factor in the brain. Evidence shows that mice lacking BDNF do not experience the mood-enhancing effects of ketamine, while humans with a mutant form of BDNF show reduced responses to treatment. This highlights a novel perspective on ketamine’s role in promoting neuroplasticity and providing immediate relief from depressive symptoms.