Unveiling the role of single versus repeated low-dose ketamine in attenuating doxorubicin-induced chemobrain and depression in rats: differential modulation of neuroinflammation, phosphorylated GLT-1, SERT, DAT, and BDNF/TrkB signaling.
Nehal G. Fahmy, Nada M. Kamel, Mahmoud M. Khattab, Radwa N. Muhammad
Neuropharmacology June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2026.111055 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn rats, a single low dose of ketamine more effectively than repeated low doses counteracts cognitive impairment and depressive-like behavior caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. The single dose better reduced brain inflammation and normalized levels of glutamate transporter GLT-1, serotonin transporter SERT, dopamine transporter DAT, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB signaling. Repeated dosing showed weaker or no benefits on these molecular markers.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Animal study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Rats |
| Intervention | Ketamine |
| Dose | low dose |
| Key finding | A single low dose of ketamine attenuates doxorubicin-induced chemobrain and depression in rats by modulating neuroinflammation, phosphorylated GLT-1, SERT, DAT, and BDNF/TrkB signaling more effectively than repeated low doses. |
Abstract
Unveiling the role of single versus repeated low-dose ketamine in attenuating doxorubicin-induced chemobrain and depression in rats: differential modulation of neuroinflammation, phosphorylated GLT-1, SERT, DAT, and BDNF/TrkB signaling.