Chronic pain-depression comorbidity is characterized by sensory hypersensitivity and emotional dysregulation, and has been linked to alterations in prefrontal network connectivity. It represents a major therapeutic challenge due to its pronounced sex differences in symptom manifestation and increased treatment resistance. Nitrous oxide (N₂O), an inhalational anesthetic traditionally used for...
Ketamine is a novel fast-acting antidepressant recently approved for treatment-resistant depression. Since preclinical studies showed sex differences in its efficacy, probably driven by sex hormones (estrogens and testosterone), we evaluated the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine in male and female rats when the biosynthesis of estrogens was inhibited. To do so, we utilized letrozole, an...