From synapse to strategy: a bibliometric map of ionotropic glutamate receptors in depression.
Yunsheng Liu, Rongde Zhong, Fenyong Yao, Huafu Zhao, Yuyan Wang, Changjian Li, Jinfang Zhang, Zengwei Kou
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology April 28, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-026-05353-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Bibliometric analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 6,843 |
| Population | Publications on ionotropic glutamate receptors in depression |
| Topics | Depression Ketamine |
| Keywords | Antidepressive agents Bibliometrics Ionotropic glutamate receptors N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors |
| Key points | Research on ionotropic glutamate receptors in depression has shifted from basic synaptic mechanisms to clinical innovations, with NMDA receptors and treatment-resistant depression as primary hotspots. |
Abstract
Depression is a leading global health burden increasingly linked to dysregulation in glutamatergic signaling. Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), including NMDA, AMPA, and kainate subtypes, have emerged as pivotal therapeutic targets. However, the rapid expansion of literature has led to a fragmented research landscape, creating an urgent need for a structured overview. This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to map the evolution, knowledge hubs, and emerging frontiers of iGluR research in depression.We retrieved 6,843 publications (1975-2025) from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, utilizing CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix for visualization and trend analysis. Analysis revealed a 7.31% annual growth rate, with the United States and China leading global productivity. Research has transitioned from basic synaptic transmission mechanisms to clinical innovations, with "NMDA receptor" and "treatment-resistant depression" identified as primary hotspots. These findings provide a quantitative framework that clarifies the shift from preclinical models to rapid-acting antidepressant discovery. Here we show that bibliometric mapping provides a coherent picture of how iGluRs research in depression has evolved. The prominence of ketamine therapy highlights a successful translational trajectory. By identifying key collaborative networks and knowledge gaps, this study provides a strategic roadmap to guide future mechanistic work and the development of next-generation rapidly acting antidepressants.