NMDA Receptor Blockade at Rest Triggers Rapid Behavioural Antidepressant Responses
Nature June 15, 2011 Anita E. Autry, M. Adachi, E. Nosyreva et al.
Ketamine produces fast-acting antidepressant effects in mouse models by blocking NMDAR, which deactivates eEF2 kinase, reducing eEF2 phosphorylation and de-suppressing translation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Inhibitors of eEF2 kinase also induce fast-acting antidepressant-like effects, suggesting regulation of protein synthesis by spontaneous neurotransmission as a therapeutic target for fast-acting antidepressants.