The role of BDNF promoter VI in mediating protective effects of prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine.
Briana K Chen, Brenna L Williams, Anna Darling, Kevin G Bath, Keri Martinowich, Christine A Denny
Neuropsychopharmacology August 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-026-02536-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | BDNF-e6 mice |
| Interventions | (R S)-ketamine |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key points | Argues that BDNF exon VI promoter-driven BDNF production is necessary for (R,S)-ketamine's prophylactic effects, since disrupting this pathway in BDNF-e6 mice abolishes them. |
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon VI promoter is implicated in mediating activity-induced synthesis of hippocampal BDNF. BDNF is implicated in (R,S)-ketamine's antidepressant effects, but its role in (R,S)-ketamine-mediated prophylaxis is unknown. Using BDNF-e6 mice, in which promoter VI-driven BDNF production is disrupted, we tested its necessity for (R,S)-ketamine's prophylactic effects.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on ketamine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| mTOR-Dependent Synapse Formation Underlies the Rapid Antidepressant Effects of NMDA Antagonists Rats | 2010 | Observational study | |
| Activation of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission by Ketamine: A Novel Step in the Pathway from NMDA Receptor Blockade to Dopaminergic and Cognitive Disruptions Associated with the Prefrontal Cortex Conscious rats | 1997 | Dose-response study with microdialysis and behavioral testing | |
| NMDAR inhibition-independent antidepressant actions of ketamine metabolites Mice | 2016 | Preclinical study | |
| The dissociative anaesthetics, ketamine and phencyclidine, selectively reduce excitation of central mammalian neurones by N‐methyl‐aspartate Spinal neurons in decerebrate or pentobarbitone-anaesthetized cats and rats | 1983 | Experimental study | |
| R-ketamine: a rapid-onset and sustained antidepressant without psychotomimetic side effects Mice | 2015 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation American Journal of Psychiatry March 17, 2021
- BDNF — a key transducer of antidepressant effects Neuropharmacology November 11, 2015
- NMDA Receptor Blockade at Rest Triggers Rapid Behavioural Antidepressant Responses Nature June 15, 2011
- Acute administration of ketamine induces antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test and increases BDNF levels in the rat hippocampus. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry January 1, 2008