Neuropharmacology
December 15, 2024
Okko Alitalo, Samuel Kohtala, Marko Rosenholm et al.
Recent studies indicate that nitrous oxide (N2O), a gaseous anesthetic and an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, produces rapid antidepressant effect in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Our recent work implies that hypothermia and reduced energy expenditure are connected with antidepressant-induced activation of TrkB neurotrophin receptors - a key regulator...
bioRxiv
August 31, 2021
Okko Alitalo, Samuel Kohtala, Marko Rosenholm et al.
preprint
We show that both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of depression activate TrkB receptors—a well-established target of antidepressants—by inducing a physiological response coupled to sedation. Several rapid-acting antidepressants trigger TrkB signaling by evoking a state associated with electroencephalographic slow-wave activity, behavioral immobility, reduced cerebral glucose...
Neuropharmacology
October 1, 2019
Samuel Kohtala, Wiebke Theilmann, Marko Rosenholm et al.
Subanesthetic rather than anesthetic doses are thought to bring the rapid antidepressant effects of the NMDAR (N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor) antagonist ketamine. Among molecular mechanisms, activation of BDNF receptor TrkB along with the inhibition of GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β) are considered as critical molecular level determinants for ketamine's antidepressant effects....
Molecular Neurobiology
June 1, 2019
Samuel Kohtala, Wiebke Theilmann, Marko Rosenholm et al.
Rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine become most evident when its psychotomimetic effects subside, but the neurobiological basis of this "lag" remains unclear. Laughing gas (N2O), another NMDA-R (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) blocker, has been reported to bring antidepressant effects rapidly upon drug discontinuation. We took advantage of the exceptional pharmacokinetic properties of N2O...
Samuel Kohtala, Wiebke Theilmann, Marko Rosenholm et al.
preprint
Abstract Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains among the most efficient antidepressants but it seldom brings immediate remedy. However, a subanesthetic dose of NMDA-R (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) blocker ketamine ameliorates symptoms of depression already within hours. Glutamatergic excitability and regulation of TrkB neurotrophin receptor and GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β) signaling...