Exploring Esketamine's Therapeutic Role for Perinatal Depression via TASK-1 Tandem Pore Potassium Channels.
Lin Zhu, Ji Chen, Yuan Liu, Wen Chen, Xinxin Liu, Fengrui Yang
ACS Chemical Neuroscience July 29, 2025 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.5c00535 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Integrates clinical and preclinical approaches Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 298 |
| Population | Full-term pregnant women with perinatal depression |
| Intervention | Esketamine |
| Topics | Esketamine Neuroplasticity Depression |
| Keywords | Neuroinflammation New approach Lowers depression scores New mothers Combats perinatal depression Improved mental well-being Therapeutic avenue Esketamine mechanism esketamine How esketamine works Targeting Mediated by |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Esketamine lowers depression scores in perinatal depression through modulation of TASK-1 potassium channels, reducing neuroinflammation and altering synaptic plasticity. |
Abstract
This research focuses on the promising use of esketamine in perinatal depression, a widespread disorder impacting postpartum women's mental health. Despite esketamine's known rapid antidepressant effects, its precise mechanisms are not fully understood. This study integrates clinical and preclinical approaches to explore esketamine's efficacy in treating perinatal depression and its actions associated with TASK-1 potassium channels. A total of298 full-term pregnant women participated in a clinical trial, revealing that esketamine significantly lowers depression scores compared to controls. Alongside, mouse models were used to assess behavioral changes post-treatment, with findings highlighting reduced neuroinflammation and depressive-like symptoms, attributable to modulation via TASK-1 channels. Advanced gene expression analyses and cultured neuronal cell studies corroborated these findings, particularly through the modulation of synaptic plasticity proteins. Thus, esketamine offers a compelling therapeutic avenue for perinatal depression, with its effectiveness linked to specific neural pathways, encouraging further research and potential therapeutic developments.