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Stopera CJ, Bartlett MJ, Liu C, Esqueda A, Parmar R, Heien ML, Sherman SJ, Falk T. Differential effects of opioid receptor antagonism on the anti-dyskinetic and anti-parkinsonian effects of sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment in a preclinical model. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110047. [PMID: 38889877 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment has been shown to be an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression and chronic pain. Our group has previously shown that sub-anesthetic ketamine produces acute anti-parkinsonian, and acute anti-dyskinetic effects in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Ketamine is a multifunctional drug and exerts effects through blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors but also through interaction with the opioid system. In this report, we provide detailed pharmacokinetic rodent data on ketamine and its main metabolites following an intraperitoneal injection, and second, we explore the pharmacodynamic properties of ketamine in a rodent PD model with respect to the opioid system, using naloxone, a pan-opioid receptor antagonist, in unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned male rats, treated with 6 mg/kg levodopa (l-DOPA) to establish a model of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). As previously reported, we showed that ketamine (20 mg/kg) is highly efficacious in reducing LID and now report that the magnitude of this effect is resistant to naloxone (3 and 5 mg/kg). The higher naloxone dose of 5 mg/kg, however, led to an extension of the time-course of the LID, indicating that opioid receptor activation, while not a prerequisite for the anti-dyskinetic effects of ketamine, still exerts an acute modulatory effect. In contrast to the mild modulatory effect on LID, we found that naloxone added to the anti-parkinsonian activity of ketamine, further reducing the akinetic phenotype. In conclusion, our data show opioid receptor blockade differentially modulates the acute anti-parkinsonian and anti-dyskinetic actions of ketamine, providing novel mechanistic information to support repurposing ketamine for individuals with LID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Stopera
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | | | - Chenxi Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Alexander Esqueda
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Raveena Parmar
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - M Leandro Heien
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Scott J Sherman
- Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Torsten Falk
- Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA; Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA; Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
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2
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Hillhouse TM, Partridge KJ, Garrett PI, Honeycutt SC, Porter JH. Effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in assays of acute pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors in mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301848. [PMID: 38640139 PMCID: PMC11029659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ketamine has been shown to produce analgesia in various acute and chronic pain states; however, abuse liability concerns have limited its utility. The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) has been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects similar to ketamine without abuse liability concerns. (2R,6R)-HNK produces sustained analgesia in models of chronic pain, but has yet to be evaluated in models of acute pain. The present study evaluated the efficacy of acute (2R,6R)-HNK administration (one injection) in assays of pain-stimulated (52- and 56-degree hot plate test and acetic acid writhing) and pain-depressed behavior (locomotor activity and rearing) in male and female C57BL/6 mice. In assays of pain-stimulated behaviors, (2R,6R)-HNK (1-32 mg/kg) failed to produce antinociception in the 52- and 56-degree hot plate and acetic acid writhing assays. In assays of pain-depressed behaviors, 0.56% acetic acid produced a robust depression of locomotor activity and rearing that was not blocked by pretreatment of (2R,6R)-HNK (3.2-32 mg/kg). The positive controls morphine (hot plate test) and ketoprofen (acetic acid writhing, locomotor activity, and rearing) blocked pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors. Finally, the effects of intermittent (2R,6R)-HNK administration were evaluated in 52-degree hot plate and pain-depressed locomotor activity and rearing. Intermittent administration of (2R,6R)-HNK also did not produce antinociceptive effects in the hot plate or pain-depressed locomotor activity assays. These results suggest that (2R,6R)-HNK is unlikely to have efficacy in treating acute pain; however, the efficacy of (2R,6R)-HNK in chronic pain states should continue to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd M. Hillhouse
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn J. Partridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Patrick I. Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sarah C. Honeycutt
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph H. Porter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Michigan, Marquette, Michigan, United States of America
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3
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Zhang S, Pu Y, Liu J, Li L, An C, Wu Y, Zhang W, Zhang W, Qu S, Yan W. Exploring the multifaceted potential of (R)-ketamine beyond antidepressant applications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337749. [PMID: 38666026 PMCID: PMC11043571 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(R, S)- and (S)-ketamine have made significant progress in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and have become a research focus in recent years. However, they both have risks of psychomimetic effects, dissociative effects, and abuse liability, which limit their clinical use. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that (R)-ketamine has a more efficient and lasting antidepressant effect with fewer side effects compared to (R, S)- and (S)-ketamine. However, a recent small-sample randomized controlled trial found that although (R)-ketamine has a lower incidence of adverse reactions in adult TRD treatment, its antidepressant efficacy is not superior to the placebo group, indicating its antidepressant advantage still needs further verification and clarification. Moreover, an increasing body of research suggests that (R)-ketamine might also have significant applications in the prevention and treatment of medical fields or diseases such as cognitive disorders, perioperative anesthesia, ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, substance use disorders, inflammatory diseases, COVID-19, and organophosphate poisoning. This article briefly reviews the mechanism of action and research on antidepressants related to (R)-ketamine, fully revealing its application potential and development prospects, and providing some references and assistance for subsequent expanded research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senbing Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Yanzhu Pu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianning Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lewen Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chibing An
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xianning Central Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, China
| | - Yumin Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenxia Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Song Qu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Guhathakurta D, Petrušková A, Akdaş EY, Perelló-Amorós B, Frischknecht R, Anni D, Weiss EM, Walter M, Fejtová A. Hydroxynorketamine, but not ketamine, acts via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to control presynaptic function and gene expression. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:47. [PMID: 38253622 PMCID: PMC10803733 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is clinically used fast-acting antidepressant. Its metabolite hydroxynorketamine (HNK) shows a robust antidepressant effect in animal studies. It is unclear, how these chemically distinct compounds converge on similar neuronal effects. While KET acts mostly as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, the molecular target of HNK remains enigmatic. Here, we show that KET and HNK converge on rapid inhibition of glutamate release by reducing the release competence of synaptic vesicles and induce nuclear translocation of pCREB that controls expression of neuroplasticity genes connected to KET- and HNK-mediated antidepressant action. Ro25-6981, a selective antagonist of GluN2B, mimics effect of KET indicating that GluN2B-containing NMDAR might mediate the presynaptic effect of KET. Selective antagonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) or genetic deletion of Chrna7, its pore-forming subunit, fully abolishes HNK-induced synaptic and nuclear regulations, but leaves KET-dependent cellular effects unaffected. Thus, KET or HNK-induced modulation of synaptic transmission and nuclear translocation of pCREB can be mediated by selective signaling via NMDAR or α7nAChRs, respectively. Due to the rapid metabolism of KET to HNK, it is conceivable that subsequent modulation of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission affects circuits in a cell-type-specific manner and contributes to the therapeutic potency of KET. This finding promotes further exploration of new combined medications for mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Guhathakurta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aneta Petrušková
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Enes Yağız Akdaş
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bartomeu Perelló-Amorós
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Renato Frischknecht
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniela Anni
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Fejtová
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Riggs LM, Pereira EFR, Thompson SM, Gould TD. cAMP-dependent protein kinase signaling is required for ( 2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine to potentiate hippocampal glutamatergic transmission. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:64-74. [PMID: 38050689 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00326.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
(2R,6R)-Hydroxynorketamine (HNK) is a ketamine metabolite that shows rapid antidepressant-like effects in preclinical studies and lacks the adverse N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) inhibition-related properties of ketamine. Investigating how (2R,6R)-HNK exerts its antidepressant actions may be informative in the design of novel pharmacotherapies with improved safety and efficacy. We sought to identify the molecular substrates through which (2R,6R)-HNK induces functional changes at excitatory synapses, a prevailing hypothesis for how rapid antidepressant effects are initiated. We recorded excitatory postsynaptic potentials in hippocampal slices from male Wistar Kyoto rats, which have impaired hippocampal plasticity and are resistant to traditional antidepressants. (2R,6R)-HNK (10 µM) led to a rapid potentiation of electrically evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials at Schaffer collateral CA1 stratum radiatum synapses. This potentiation was associated with a decrease in paired pulse facilitation, suggesting an increase in the probability of glutamate release. The (2R,6R)-HNK-induced potentiation was blocked by inhibiting either cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or its downstream target, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). As cAMP is a potent regulator of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release, we assessed whether (2R,6R)-HNK exerts this acute potentiation through a rapid increase in cAMP-dependent BDNF-TrkB signaling. We found that the cAMP-PKA-dependent potentiation was not dependent on TrkB activation by BDNF, which functionally delimits the acute synaptic effects of (2R,6R)-HNK from its sustained BDNF-dependent actions in vivo. These results suggest that, by potentiating glutamate release via cAMP-PKA signaling, (2R,6R)-HNK initiates acute adaptations in fast excitatory synaptic transmission that promote structural plasticity leading to maintained antidepressant action.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Ketamine is a rapid-acting antidepressant and its preclinical effects are mimicked by its (2R,6R)-(HNK) metabolite. We found that (2R,6R)-HNK initiates acute adaptations in fast excitatory synaptic transmission by potentiating glutamate release via cAMP-PKA signaling at hippocampal Schaffer collateral synapses. This cAMP-PKA-dependent potentiation was not dependent on TrkB activation by BDNF, which functionally delimits the rapid synaptic effects of (2R,6R)-HNK from its sustained BDNF-dependent actions that are thought to maintain antidepressant action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lace M Riggs
- Program in Neuroscience and Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Edna F R Pereira
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Scott M Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Todd D Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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Blumenfeld Z, Bera K, Castrén E, Lester HA. Antidepressants enter cells, organelles, and membranes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:246-261. [PMID: 37783840 PMCID: PMC10700606 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01725-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
We begin by summarizing several examples of antidepressants whose therapeutic actions begin when they encounter their targets in the cytoplasm or in the lumen of an organelle. These actions contrast with the prevailing view that most neuropharmacological actions begin when drugs engage their therapeutic targets at extracellular binding sites of plasma membrane targets-ion channels, receptors, and transporters. We review the chemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic principles underlying the movements of drugs into subcellular compartments. We note the relationship between protonation-deprotonation events and membrane permeation of antidepressant drugs. The key properties relate to charge and hydrophobicity/lipid solubility, summarized by the parameters LogP, pKa, and LogDpH7.4. The classical metric, volume of distribution (Vd), is unusually large for some antidepressants and has both supracellular and subcellular components. A table gathers structures, LogP, PKa, LogDpH7.4, and Vd data and/or calculations for most antidepressants and antidepressant candidates. The subcellular components, which can now be measured in some cases, are dominated by membrane binding and by trapping in the lumen of acidic organelles. For common antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), the target is assumed to be the eponymous reuptake transporter(s), although in fact the compartment of target engagement is unknown. We review special aspects of the pharmacokinetics of ketamine, ketamine metabolites, and other rapidly acting antidepressants (RAADs) including methoxetamine and scopolamine, psychedelics, and neurosteroids. Therefore, the reader can assess properties that markedly affect a drug's ability to enter or cross membranes-and therefore, to interact with target sites that face the cytoplasm, the lumen of organelles, or a membrane. In the current literature, mechanisms involving intracellular targets are termed "location-biased actions" or "inside-out pharmacology". Hopefully, these general terms will eventually acquire additional mechanistic details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zack Blumenfeld
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kallol Bera
- Department of Neurosciences and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henry A Lester
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Drinkuth CR, Lehane MJ, Sartor GC. The effects of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine on oxycodone withdrawal and reinstatement. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:110987. [PMID: 37864957 PMCID: PMC10842506 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite the thousands of lives lost during the ongoing opioid crisis, a scarcity of new and effective clinical treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) remains. To address this unmet need, some researchers have turned to dissociative and psychedelic drugs to treat multiple psychiatric conditions. In particular, low doses of ketamine have been shown to attenuate opioid withdrawal and drug use in clinical and preclinical studies. However, ketamine has misuse liability and dissociative side effects that may limit its widespread application as a treatment for OUD. More recently, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), a ketamine metabolite that lacks misuse potential, has gained attention for its effectiveness in depression and stress models. To uncover its role in OUD, we tested the time-dependent effects of (2R,6R)-HNK on oxycodone withdrawal and reinstatement of oxycodone conditioned place preference (CPP). In male and female oxycodone-dependent mice, we found that 24h pretreatment with (2R,6R)-HNK (10 or 30mg/kg, s.c.) reduced the frequency of withdrawal-like behaviors and global withdrawal scores during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, whereas 1h pretreatment with (2R,6R)-HNK only reduced paw tremors and the sum of global withdrawal scores but not GWS Z-scores. In other experiments, both 1h and 24h pretreatment with (2R,6R)-HNK (30mg/kg, s.c.) blocked drug-induced reinstatement of oxycodone CPP. Finally, we found (2R,6R)-HNK (30mg/kg, sc) had no effect on locomotor activity and thigmotaxis. Together, these results indicate that acute (2R,6R)-HNK has efficacy in some preclinical models of OUD without producing locomotor or anxiety-like side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryssa R Drinkuth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Michael J Lehane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Gregory C Sartor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences (IBACS), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States.
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Weber H, Drouvé N, Kortenbrede L, El Sheikh S. A Broadly Applicable Diels-Alder-Based Synthesis of Ketamine-Related Arylcyclohexylamines. J Org Chem 2023. [PMID: 37463857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the synthesis of aryl derivatives of ketamine and of ketamine's major metabolites hydroxynorketamine (HNK), norketamine (NK), and dehydronorketamine (DHNK) via a microwave-assisted Diels-Alder reaction to form the substituted cyclohexane core structure. Starting with aryl acrylic esters as dienophiles and siloxybutadienes as diene counterparts, a wide range of substituted arylcyclohexylamines was obtained after several modification steps of the initial Diels-Alder products [El Sheikh, S.; Weber, H.; Kortenbrede, L.; Drouvé, N. A broadly applicable Diels-Alder based Synthesis of Ketamine related Arylcyclohexylamines. ChemRxiv 2022, 10.26434/chemrxiv- 2022-xf1l9].
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Weber
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Campusplatz 1, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Nils Drouvé
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Campusplatz 1, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Lana Kortenbrede
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Campusplatz 1, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Sherif El Sheikh
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Campusplatz 1, 51379 Leverkusen, Germany
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Du Z, Zang Z, Luo J, Liu T, Yang L, Cai Y, Wang L, Zhang D, Zhao J, Gao J, Lv K, Wang L, Li H, Gong H, Fan X. Chronic exposure to (2 R,6 R)-hydroxynorketamine induces developmental neurotoxicity in hESC-derived cerebral organoids. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 453:131379. [PMID: 37054645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
(R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) has been increasingly used recreationally and medicinally worldwide; however, it cannot be removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants. Both ketamine and its metabolite norketamine have been frequently detected to a significant degree in effluents, aquatic, and even atmospheric environments, which may pose risks to organisms and humans via drinking water and aerosols. Ketamine has been shown to affect the brain development of unborn babies, while it is still elusive whether (2 R,6 R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) induces similar neurotoxicity. Here, we investigated the neurotoxic effect of (2 R,6 R)-HNK exposure at the early stages of gestation by applying human cerebral organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Short-term (2 R,6 R)-HNK exposure did not significantly affect the development of cerebral organoids, but chronic high-concentration (2 R,6 R)-HNK exposure at day 16 inhibited the expansion of organoids by suppressing the proliferation and augmentation of neural precursor cells (NPCs). Notably, the division mode of apical radial glia was unexpectedly switched from vertical to horizontal division planes following chronic (2 R,6 R)-HNK exposure in cerebral organoids. Chronic (2 R,6 R)-HNK exposure at day 44 mainly inhibited the differentiation but not the proliferation of NPCs. Overall, our findings indicate that (2 R,6 R)-HNK administration leads to the abnormal development of cortical organoids, which may be mediated by inhibiting HDAC2. Future clinical studies are needed to explore the neurotoxic effects of (2 R,6 R)-HNK on the early development of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhulin Du
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China, Chongqing 401331, China; Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Zhenle Zang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Yun Cai
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Liuyongwei Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Jinghui Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Junwei Gao
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Keyi Lv
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40037, China
| | - Hong Gong
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China.
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 40038, China.
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Adzic M, Lukic I, Mitic M, Glavonic E, Dragicevic N, Ivkovic S. Contribution of the opioid system to depression and to the therapeutic effects of classical antidepressants and ketamine. Life Sci 2023:121803. [PMID: 37245840 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) afflicts approximately 5 % of the world population, and about 30-50 % of patients who receive classical antidepressant medications do not achieve complete remission (treatment resistant depressive patients). Emerging evidence suggests that targeting opioid receptors mu (MOP), kappa (KOP), delta (DOP), and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) may yield effective therapeutics for stress-related psychiatric disorders. As depression and pain exhibit significant overlap in their clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms involved, it is not a surprise that opioids, historically used to alleviate pain, emerged as promising and effective therapeutic options in the treatment of depression. The opioid signaling is dysregulated in depression and numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials strongly suggest that opioid modulation can serve as either an adjuvant or even an alternative to classical monoaminergic antidepressants. Importantly, some classical antidepressants require the opioid receptor modulation to exert their antidepressant effects. Finally, ketamine, a well-known anesthetic whose extremely efficient antidepressant effects were recently discovered, was shown to mediate its antidepressant effects via the endogenous opioid system. Thus, although opioid system modulation is a promising therapeutical venue in the treatment of depression further research is warranted to fully understand the benefits and weaknesses of such approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emilija Glavonic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dragicevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Ivkovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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11
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Garcia GP, Perez GM, Gasperi RD, Sosa MAG, Otero-Pagan A, Abutarboush R, Kawoos U, Statz JK, Patterson J, Zhu CW, Hof PR, Cook DG, Ahlers ST, Elder GA. (2R,6R)-Hydroxynorketamine Treatment of Rats Exposed to Repetitive Low-Level Blast Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2023; 4:197-217. [PMID: 37020715 PMCID: PMC10068674 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2022.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Many military veterans who experienced blast-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from chronic cognitive and mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Male rats subjected to repetitive low-level blast exposure develop chronic cognitive and PTSD-related traits that develop in a delayed manner. Ketamine has received attention as a treatment for refractory depression and PTSD. (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine [(2R,6R)-HNK] is a ketamine metabolite that exerts rapid antidepressant actions. (2R,6R)-HNK has become of clinical interest because of its favorable side-effect profile, low abuse potential, and oral route of administration. We treated three cohorts of blast-exposed rats with (2R,6R)-HNK, beginning 7-11 months after blast exposure, a time when the behavioral phenotype is established. Each cohort consisted of groups (n = 10-13/group) as follows: 1) Sham-exposed treated with saline, 2) blast-exposed treated with saline, and 3) blast-exposed treated with a single dose of 20 mg/kg of (2R,6R)-HNK. (2R,6R)-HNK rescued blast-induced deficits in novel object recognition (NOR) and anxiety-related features in the elevated zero maze (EZM) in all three cohorts. Exaggerated acoustic startle was reversed in cohort 1, but not in cohort 3. (2R,6R)-HNK effects were still present in the EZM 12 days after administration in cohort 1 and 27 days after administration in NOR testing of cohorts 2 and 3. (2R,6R)-HNK may be beneficial for the neurobehavioral syndromes that follow blast exposure in military veterans. Additional studies will be needed to determine whether higher doses or more extended treatment regimens may be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Perez Garcia
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gissel M. Perez
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Rita De Gasperi
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miguel A. Gama Sosa
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- General Medical Research Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Alena Otero-Pagan
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Rania Abutarboush
- Department of Neurotrauma, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Usmah Kawoos
- Department of Neurotrauma, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan K. Statz
- Department of Neurotrauma, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacob Patterson
- Department of Neurotrauma, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Carolyn W. Zhu
- Research and Development Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - David G. Cook
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen T. Ahlers
- Department of Neurotrauma, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory A. Elder
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Mount Sinai Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Neurology Service, James J. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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12
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Onisiforou A, Georgiou P, Zanos P. Role of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in ketamine's antidepressant actions. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 223:173531. [PMID: 36841543 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious neuropsychiatric disorder afflicting around 16-17 % of the global population and is accompanied by recurrent episodes of low mood, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Current pharmacological interventions take several weeks to even months for an improvement in depressive symptoms to emerge, with a significant percentage of individuals not responding to these medications at all, thus highlighting the need for rapid and effective next-generation treatments for MDD. Pre-clinical studies in animals have demonstrated that antagonists of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2/3 (mGlu2/3 receptor) exert rapid antidepressant-like effects, comparable to the actions of ketamine. Therefore, it is possible that mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptors to have a regulatory role on the unique antidepressant properties of ketamine, or that convergent intracellular mechanisms exist between mGlu2/3 receptor signaling and ketamine's effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the literature on these convergent processes underlying the antidepressant action of mGlu2/3 receptor inhibitors and ketamine. Importantly, combining sub-threshold doses of mGlu2/3 receptor inhibitors with sub-antidepressant ketamine doses induce synergistic antidepressant-relevant behavioral effects. We review the evidence supporting these combinatorial effects since sub-effective dosages of mGlu2/3 receptor antagonists and ketamine could reduce the risk for the emergence of significant adverse events compared with taking normal dosages. Overall, deconvolution of ketamine's pharmacological targets will give critical insights to influence the development of next-generation antidepressant treatments with rapid actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Onisiforou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus.
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13
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Goswami N, Aleem M, Manda K. Intranasal (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine for acute pain: Behavioural and neurophysiological safety analysis in mice. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 50:169-177. [PMID: 36371631 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Ketamine is known for its antinociceptive effect and is also used for treatment-resistant depression. However, the efficacy and safety of (2R, 6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), a ketamine metabolite has been sparingly investigated for acute pain management. The current study aims at investigating the antinociceptive effect of intranasal (2R, 6R)-HNK using pre-clinical models of acute pain. Additionally, the behavioural and neurophysiological safety analyses were carried out for the effective time window. Antinociceptive efficacy of (2R, 6R)-HNK was evaluated using the hot plate test and Hargreaves' plantar test. The formalin test was carried out in both the acute and tonic phases. The neurophysiological and behavioural safety analyses were carried out separately for the haemodynamic function, cortical electroencephalography (EEG), and spontaneous behavioural functions. Analgesic effect of (2R, 6R)-HNK was evident by a significant increase in paw-withdrawal latency in both Hargreaves' and hot plate tests. Additionally, the (2R, 6R)-HNK showed a significant ameliorative effect on pain-related behaviour in the second phase of the formalin test. (2R, 6R)-HNK exhibited an anxiolytic effect without causing any significant changes in locomotor activity and haemodynamic parameters. Power spectral density (PSD) analysis of electroencephalogram revealed no significant changes except a comparative increase in the gamma band range. Both the locomotor functions in the open field test and the PSD value of delta wave indicated no sedative effect at the given dose of (2R, 6R)-HNK. The results demonstrated the pain-alleviating effect of (2R, 6R)-HNK without compromising the neurophysiological and behavioural function. Therefore, intranasal (2R, 6R)-HNK is suggested as a safe candidate for further clinical study in the management of acute pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Goswami
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Aleem
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Kailash Manda
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Delhi, India
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14
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(2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine acts through GluA1-induced synaptic plasticity to alleviate PTSD-like effects in rat models. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100503. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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15
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Yost JG, Browne CA, Lucki I. (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) reverses mechanical hypersensitivity in a model of localized inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2022; 221:109276. [PMID: 36198332 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2022]
Abstract
The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine, or (2R,6R)-HNK, was recently reported to evoke antinociception in response to a noxious thermal stimulus in healthy mice and reverse mechanical hypersensitivity in a murine model of neuropathic pain. This study reports the behavioral effects of (2R,6R)-HNK in male and female C57BL/6J mice exposed to a localized inflammatory pain condition and the broad pharmacological mechanism underlying this effect. Hind paw intraplantar injection of λ-carrageenan (CARR) caused inflammation and mechanical hypersensitivity in mice within 2 hours, lasting at least 48 hours. Intraperitoneal administration of (2R,6R)-HNK (10-30 mg/kg i.p.) 2 hours following CARR injection significantly reversed mechanical hypersensitivity within 1 hour in male and female mice, and the effect persisted for 24 hours following a single dose. The magnitude and timing of the analgesic effect of (2R,6R)-HNK were comparable to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug carprofen. The reversal of hypersensitivity by (2R,6R)-HNK was blocked at 4 and 24 hours after administration by pretreatment with the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX and was not accompanied by changes in locomotor activity. These findings reinforce the growing evidence supporting (2R,6R)-HNK as a novel analgesic in multiple preclinical pain models and further support an AMPAR-dependent mechanism of action. SIGNIFICANCE: The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-HNK reversed mechanical hypersensitivity associated with localized inflammation with onset less than one hour and duration greater than 24 hours in an effect comparable to the NSAID carprofen. Reversal of mechanical hypersensitivity by (2R,6R)-HNK is AMPAR-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Yost
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Caroline A Browne
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Irwin Lucki
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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16
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Bonaventura J, Gomez JL, Carlton ML, Lam S, Sanchez-Soto M, Morris PJ, Moaddel R, Kang HJ, Zanos P, Gould TD, Thomas CJ, Sibley DR, Zarate CA, Michaelides M. Target deconvolution studies of (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine: an elusive search. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4144-4156. [PMID: 35768639 PMCID: PMC10013843 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01673-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The off-label use of racemic ketamine and the FDA approval of (S)-ketamine are promising developments for the treatment of depression. Nevertheless, racemic ketamine and (S)-ketamine are controlled substances with known abuse potential and their use is associated with undesirable side effects. For these reasons, research efforts have focused on identifying alternatives. One candidate is (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R,6R)-HNK), a ketamine metabolite that in preclinical models lacks the dissociative and abuse properties of ketamine while retaining its antidepressant-like behavioral efficacy. (2R,6R)-HNK's mechanism of action however is unclear. The main goals of this study were to perform an in-depth pharmacological characterization of (2R,6R)-HNK at known ketamine targets, to use target deconvolution approaches to discover novel proteins that bind to (2R,6R)-HNK, and to characterize the biodistribution and behavioral effects of (2R,6R)-HNK across several procedures related to substance use disorder liability. We found that unlike (S)- or (R)-ketamine, (2R,6R)-HNK did not directly bind to any known or proposed ketamine targets. Extensive screening and target deconvolution experiments at thousands of human proteins did not identify any other direct (2R,6R)-HNK-protein interactions. Biodistribution studies using radiolabeled (2R,6R)-HNK revealed non-selective brain regional enrichment, and no specific binding in any organ other than the liver. (2R,6R)-HNK was inactive in conditioned place preference, open-field locomotor activity, and intravenous self-administration procedures. Despite these negative findings, (2R,6R)-HNK produced a reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test and a small but significant increase in metabolic activity across a network of brain regions, and this metabolic signature differed from the brain metabolic profile induced by ketamine enantiomers. In sum, our results indicate that (2R,6R)-HNK does not share pharmacological or behavioral profile similarities with ketamine or its enantiomers. However, it could still be possible that both ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK exert antidepressant-like efficacy through a common and previously unidentified mechanism. Given its pharmacological profile, we predict that (2R,6R)-HNK will exhibit a favorable safety profile in clinical trials, and we must wait for clinical studies to determine its antidepressant efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Bonaventura
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
- Departament de Patologia i Terapèutica Experimental, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Juan L Gomez
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Meghan L Carlton
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Sherry Lam
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Marta Sanchez-Soto
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Morris
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, 20850, MD, USA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Hye Jin Kang
- National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Medical School, Chapel Hill, 27599, NC, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus
| | - Todd D Gould
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21201, MD, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, 20850, MD, USA
| | - David R Sibley
- Molecular Neuropharmacology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, 20892, MD, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, MD, USA.
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17
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Yost JG, Wulf HA, Browne CA, Lucki I. Antinociceptive and Analgesic Effects of (2 R,6 R)-Hydroxynorketamine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 382:256-265. [PMID: 35779947 PMCID: PMC9426759 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Commonly used pain therapeutics, such as opioid medications, exert dangerous side effects and lack effectiveness in treating some types of pain. Ketamine is also used to treat pain, but side effects limit its widespread use. (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) is a ketamine metabolite that potentially shares some beneficial behavioral effects of its parent drug without causing significant side effects. This study compared the profile and potential mechanisms mediating the antinociception activity of ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK in C57BL/6J mice. Additionally, this study compared the reversal of mechanical allodynia by (2R,6R)-HNK with gabapentin in a model of neuropathic pain. Unlike the near-immediate and short-lived antinociception caused by ketamine, (2R,6R)-HNK produced late-developing antinociception 24 hours following administration. Pharmacological blockade of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors with 2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo[f]quinoxaline (NBQX) prevented the initiation and expressionof (2R,6R)-HNK antinociception, suggesting the involvement of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor-dependent glutamatergic mechanisms in the pain reduction-like responses. Blockade of opioid receptors with naltrexone partially prevented the antinociceptive effect of ketamine but was ineffective against (2R,6R)-HNK. Furthermore, (2R,6R)-HNK did not produce dystaxia, even when tested at doses five times greater than those needed to produce antinociception, indicating a superior safety profile for (2R,6R)-HNK over ketamine. Additionally, (2R,6R)-HNK reversed mechanical allodynia in a spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain with similar short-term efficacy to gabapentin (within 4 hours) while outperforming gabapentin 24 hours after administration. These findings support the further study of (2R,6R)-HNK as a potentially valuable agent for treating different types of pain and establish certain advantages of (2R,6R)-HNK treatment over ketamine and gabapentin in corresponding assays for pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-HNK produced antinociception in male and female mice 24 hours after administration via activation of AMPA receptors. The effects of (2R,6R)-HNK differed in time course and mechanism and presented a better safety profile than ketamine. (2R,6R)-HNK also reversed allodynia in SNI-operated animals within 4 hours of treatment onset, with a duration of effect lasting longer than gabapentin. Taken together, (2R,6R)-HNK demonstrates the potential for development as a non-opioid analgesic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Yost
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (J.G.Y., C.A.B., I.L.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics (H.A.W., C.A.B., I.L.), and Department of Psychiatry (I.L.), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hildegard A Wulf
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (J.G.Y., C.A.B., I.L.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics (H.A.W., C.A.B., I.L.), and Department of Psychiatry (I.L.), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Caroline A Browne
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (J.G.Y., C.A.B., I.L.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics (H.A.W., C.A.B., I.L.), and Department of Psychiatry (I.L.), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Irwin Lucki
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (J.G.Y., C.A.B., I.L.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics (H.A.W., C.A.B., I.L.), and Department of Psychiatry (I.L.), Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
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18
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Langmia IM, Just KS, Yamoune S, Müller JP, Stingl JC. Pharmacogenetic and drug interaction aspects on ketamine safety in its use as antidepressant - implications for precision dosing in a global perspective. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:5149-5165. [PMID: 35863300 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Ketamine and its enantiomer S-ketamine (esketamine) are known to produce rapid-onset antidepressant effects in major depression. Intranasal esketamine has recently come into the market as an antidepressant. Besides experience from short-term use in anesthesia and analgesia, the experience with ketamine as long-term medication is rather low. The use of ketamine and esketamine is limited due to potential neurotoxicity, psychocomimetic side effects, potential abuse and interindividual variability in treatment response including cessation of therapy. Therefore, taking a look at individual patient risks and potential underlying variability in pharmacokinetics may improve safety and dosing of these new antidepressant drugs in clinical practice. Differential drug metabolism due to polymorphic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and gene-drug interactions are known to influence the efficacy and safety of many drugs. Ketamine and esketamine are metabolized by polymorphic CYP enzymes including CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2A6. In antidepressant drug therapy, usually multiple drugs are administered which are substrates of CYP enzymes, increasing the risk for drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We reviewed the potential impact of polymorphic CYP variants and common DDIs in antidepressant drug therapy affecting ketamine pharmacokinetics, and the role for dose optimization. The use of ketamine or intranasal esketamine as antidepressants demands a better understanding of the factors that may impact its metabolism and efficacy in long-term use. In addition to other clinical and environmental confounders, prior information on the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic determinants of response variability to ketamine and esketamine may inform on dose optimization and identification of individuals at risk of adverse drug reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immaculate M Langmia
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katja S Just
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Yamoune
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, BfArM, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julian Peter Müller
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia C Stingl
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Moaddel R, Zanos P, Farmer CA, Kadriu B, Morris PJ, Lovett J, Acevedo-Diaz EE, Cavanaugh GW, Yuan P, Yavi M, Thomas CJ, Park LT, Ferrucci L, Gould TD, Zarate CA. Comparative metabolomic analysis in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of humans and in plasma and brain of mice following antidepressant-dose ketamine administration. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:179. [PMID: 35501309 PMCID: PMC9061764 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01941-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Subanesthetic-dose racemic (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) produces rapid, robust, and sustained antidepressant effects in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and has also been shown to effectively treat neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, to date, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Preclinical studies found that (2 R,6 R;2 S,6 S)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), a major circulating metabolite of ketamine, elicits antidepressant effects similar to those of ketamine. To help determine how (2 R,6 R)-HNK contributes to ketamine's mechanism of action, an exploratory, targeted, metabolomic analysis was carried out on plasma and CSF of nine healthy volunteers receiving a 40-minute ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg). A parallel targeted metabolomic analysis in plasma, hippocampus, and hypothalamus was carried out in mice receiving either 10 mg/kg of ketamine, 10 mg/kg of (2 R,6 R)-HNK, or saline. Ketamine and (2 R,6 R)-HNK both affected multiple pathways associated with inflammatory conditions. In addition, several changes were unique to either the healthy human volunteers and/or the mouse arm of the study, indicating that different pathways may be differentially involved in ketamine's effects in mice and humans. Mechanisms of action found to consistently underlie the effects of ketamine and/or (2 R,6 R)-HNK across both the human metabolome in plasma and CSF and the mouse arm of the study included LAT1, IDO1, NAD+, the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway, and sphingolipid rheostat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA.
| | - Panos Zanos
- Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21201, MD, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Cristan A Farmer
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bashkim Kadriu
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Morris
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Jacqueline Lovett
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Elia E Acevedo-Diaz
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Grace W Cavanaugh
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peixiong Yuan
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mani Yavi
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Lawrence T Park
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luigi Ferrucci
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 21224, MD, USA
| | - Todd D Gould
- Departments of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21201, MD, USA
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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20
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Hess EM, Riggs LM, Michaelides M, Gould TD. Mechanisms of ketamine and its metabolites as antidepressants. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114892. [PMID: 34968492 PMCID: PMC8883502 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treating major depression is a medical need that remains unmet by monoaminergic therapeutic strategies that commonly fail to achieve symptom remission. A breakthrough in the treatment of depression was the discovery that the anesthetic (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine), when administered at sub-anesthetic doses, elicits rapid (sometimes within hours) antidepressant effects in humans that are otherwise resistant to monoaminergic-acting therapies. While this finding was revolutionary and led to the FDA approval of (S)-ketamine (esketamine) for use in adults with treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation, the mechanisms underlying how ketamine or esketamine elicit their effects are still under active investigation. An emerging view is that metabolism of ketamine may be a crucial step in its mechanism of action, as several metabolites of ketamine have neuroactive effects of their own and may be leveraged as therapeutics. For example, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), is readily observed in humans following ketamine treatment and has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical tests of antidepressant efficacy and synaptic potentiation while being devoid of the negative adverse effects of ketamine, including its dissociative properties and abuse potential. We discuss preclinical and clinical studies pertaining to how ketamine and its metabolites produce antidepressant effects. Specifically, we explore effects on glutamate neurotransmission through N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), synaptic structural changes via brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, interactions with opioid receptors, and the enhancement of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine signaling. Strategic targeting of these mechanisms may result in novel rapid-acting antidepressants with fewer undesirable side effects compared to ketamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Hess
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Lace M Riggs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.,Program in Neuroscience and Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Michael Michaelides
- Biobehavioral Imaging & Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Todd D Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Departments of Pharmacology and Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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21
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Highland JN, Morris PJ, Konrath KM, Riggs LM, Hagen NR, Zanos P, Powels CF, Moaddel R, Thomas CJ, Wang AQ, Gould TD. Hydroxynorketamine Pharmacokinetics and Antidepressant Behavioral Effects of (2 ,6)- and (5 R)-Methyl-(2 R,6 R)-hydroxynorketamines. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:510-523. [PMID: 35113535 PMCID: PMC9926475 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(R,S)-Ketamine is rapidly metabolized to form a range of metabolites in vivo, including 12 unique hydroxynorketamines (HNKs) that are distinguished by a cyclohexyl ring hydroxylation at the 4, 5, or 6 position. While both (2R,6R)- and (2S,6S)-HNK readily penetrate the brain and exert rapid antidepressant-like actions in preclinical tests following peripheral administration, the pharmacokinetic profiles and pharmacodynamic actions of 10 other HNKs have not been examined. We assessed the pharmacokinetic profiles of all 12 HNKs in the plasma and brains of male and female mice and compared the relative potencies of four (2,6)-HNKs to induce antidepressant-relevant behavioral effects in the forced swim test in male mice. While all HNKs were readily brain-penetrable following intraperitoneal injection, there were robust differences in peak plasma and brain concentrations and exposures. Forced swim test immobility rank order of potency, from most to least potent, was (2R,6S)-, (2S,6R)-, (2R,6R)-, and (2S,6S)-HNK. We hypothesized that distinct structure-activity relationships and the resulting potency of each metabolite are linked to unique substitution patterns and resultant conformation of the six-membered cyclohexanone ring system. To explore this, we synthesized (5R)-methyl-(2R,6R)-HNK, which incorporates a methyl substitution on the cyclohexanone ring. (5R)-Methyl-(2R,6R)-HNK exhibited similar antidepressant-like potency to (2R,6S)-HNK. These results suggest that conformation of the cyclohexanone ring system in the (2,6)-HNKs is an important factor underlying potency and that additional engineering of this structural feature may improve the development of a new generation of HNKs. Such HNKs may represent novel drug candidates for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn N. Highland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
| | - Patrick J. Morris
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Kylie M. Konrath
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Lace M. Riggs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
| | - Natalie R. Hagen
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Current address: Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Chris F. Powels
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore MD 21224, USA
| | - Craig J. Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Amy Q. Wang
- Therapeutics for Rare and Neglected Diseases, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville MD 20850, USA
| | - Todd D. Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore MD 21201, USA
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22
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Highland JN, Farmer CA, Zanos P, Lovett J, Zarate CA, Moaddel R, Gould TD. Sex-dependent metabolism of ketamine and ( 2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in mice and humans. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:170-182. [PMID: 34971525 PMCID: PMC9904319 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211064922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine is rapidly metabolized to norketamine and hydroxynorketamine (HNK) metabolites. In female mice, when compared to males, higher levels of (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK have been observed following ketamine treatment, and higher levels of (2R,6R)-HNK following the direct administration of (2R,6R)-HNK. AIM The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of sex in humans and mice, and gonadal hormones in mice on the metabolism of ketamine to form norketamine and HNKs and in the metabolism/elimination of (2R,6R)-HNK. METHODS In CD-1 mice, we utilized gonadectomy to evaluate the role of circulating gonadal hormones in mediating sex-dependent differences in ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK metabolism. In humans (34 with treatment-resistant depression and 23 healthy controls) receiving an antidepressant dose of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg i.v. infusion over 40 min), we evaluated plasma levels of ketamine, norketamine, and HNKs. RESULTS In humans, plasma levels of ketamine and norketamine were higher in males than females, while (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK levels were not different. Following ketamine administration to mice (10 mg/kg i.p.), Cmax and total plasma concentrations of ketamine and norketamine were higher, and those of (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK were lower, in intact males compared to females. Direct (2R,6R)-HNK administration (10 mg/kg i.p.) resulted in higher levels of (2R,6R)-HNK in female mice. Ovariectomy did not alter ketamine metabolism in female mice, whereas orchidectomy recapitulated female pharmacokinetic differences in male mice, which was reversed with testosterone replacement. CONCLUSION Sex is an important biological variable that influences the metabolism of ketamine and the HNKs, which may contribute to sex differences in therapeutic antidepressant efficacy or side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn N. Highland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Program in Toxicology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Cristan A. Farmer
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Jacqueline Lovett
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Todd D. Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA.,Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA.,Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore MD, USA.,Reprint requests: Todd D. Gould, Rm. 936 MSTF 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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23
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Singh S, Kumar A, Mittal G. Ketamine-polymer based drug delivery system for prolonged analgesia: recent advances, challenges and future prospects. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:1117-1130. [PMID: 33599572 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1887134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: With a sharp increase in NSAIDs and opioid use for chronic pain conditions associated with traumatic injuries and diseases, there has been an escalated risk of life-threatening side effects (cardiac and respiratory malfunction), inadvertent overdose, and even death. Their short duration of action and toxicity induces the need to develop extended-release analgesic drug formulations based on safe drugs like ketamine.Areas covered: This review presents progressive breakthroughs in pain control strategies for augmenting patient's comfort and minimizing unnecessary adverse effects associated with NSAIDs and opioids. Advantages of using ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic and potent analgesic over opioids have been elaborated here for the development of advanced sustained-release analgesic drug formulations based on ketamine and polymers (hydrogels, microparticles, and nanoparticles) as mainstream systems. These systems can be very promising in the resource-constrained healthcare set-up where frequent drug dosing at short time intervals is extremely challenging. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar electronic databases, and clinical websites were used for conducting extensive research.Expert opinion: Controlled drug release analgesic systems can significantly reduce the burden of repeated drug dosing and opioid drug dependency, maximizing the function of analgesic drugs for clinical translation, and improving the quality of life of those living with pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Singh
- Department of Combat Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research & Development Organisation, New Delhi India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Combat Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research & Development Organisation, New Delhi India
| | - Gaurav Mittal
- Department of Combat Sciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research & Development Organisation, New Delhi India
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24
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Highland JN, Zanos P, Riggs LM, Georgiou P, Clark SM, Morris PJ, Moaddel R, Thomas CJ, Zarate CA, Pereira EFR, Gould TD. Hydroxynorketamines: Pharmacology and Potential Therapeutic Applications. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:763-791. [PMID: 33674359 PMCID: PMC7938660 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydroxynorketamines (HNKs) are formed in vivo after (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) administration. The 12 HNK stereoisomers are distinguished by the position of cyclohexyl ring hydroxylation (at the 4, 5, or 6 position) and their unique stereochemistry at two stereocenters. Although HNKs were initially classified as inactive metabolites because of their lack of anesthetic effects, more recent studies have begun to reveal their biologic activities. In particular, (2R,6R)- and (2S 6)-HNK exert antidepressant-relevant behavioral and physiologic effects in preclinical models, which led to a rapid increase in studies seeking to clarify the mechanisms by which HNKs exert their pharmacological effects. To date, the majority of HNK research has focused on the actions of (2R,6R)-HNK because of its robust behavioral actions in tests of antidepressant effectiveness and its limited adverse effects. This review describes HNK pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as the putative cellular, molecular, and synaptic mechanisms thought to underlie their behavioral effects, both following their metabolism from ketamine and after direct administration in preclinical studies. Converging preclinical evidence indicates that HNKs modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission and downstream signaling pathways in several brain regions, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Effects on other neurotransmitter systems, as well as possible effects on neurotrophic and inflammatory processes, and energy metabolism, are also discussed. Additionally, the behavioral effects of HNKs and possible therapeutic applications are described, including the treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, neuroinflammation, and other anti-inflammatory and analgesic uses. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Preclinical studies indicate that hydroxynorketamines (HNKs) exert antidepressant-relevant behavioral actions and may also have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and other physiological effects that are relevant for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. This review details the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the HNKs, as well as their behavioral actions, putative mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn N Highland
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Panos Zanos
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Lace M Riggs
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Sarah M Clark
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Patrick J Morris
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Edna F R Pereira
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
| | - Todd D Gould
- Departments of Psychiatry (J.N.H., P.Z., L.M.R., P.G., S.M.C., T.D.G.), Pharmacology (P.Z., T.D.G.), Physiology (P.Z.), Anatomy and Neurobiology (T.D.G), Epidemiology and Public Health, Division of Translational Toxicology (E.F.R.P.), Programs in Toxicology (J.N.H.) and Neuroscience (L.M.R.), and Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (T.D.G.); Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland (P.J.M., C.J.T.); Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.M.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.)
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Höflich A, Kraus C, Pfeiffer RM, Seiger R, Rujescu D, Zarate CA, Kasper S, Winkler D, Lanzenberger R. Translating the immediate effects of S-Ketamine using hippocampal subfield analysis in healthy subjects-results of a randomized controlled trial. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:200. [PMID: 33795646 PMCID: PMC8016970 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antidepressant doses of ketamine rapidly facilitate synaptic plasticity and modify neuronal function within prefrontal and hippocampal circuits. However, most studies have demonstrated these effects in animal models and translational studies in humans are scarce. A recent animal study showed that ketamine restored dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region within 1 h of administration. To translate these results to humans, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study assessed ketamine's rapid neuroplastic effects on hippocampal subfield measurements in healthy volunteers. S-Ketamine vs. placebo data were analyzed, and data were also grouped by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genotype. Linear mixed models showed that overall hippocampal subfield volumes were significantly larger (p = 0.009) post ketamine than post placebo (LS means difference=0.008, standard error=0.003). Post-hoc tests did not attribute effects to specific subfields (all p > 0.05). Trend-wise volumetric increases were observed within the left hippocampal CA1 region (p = 0.076), and trend-wise volumetric reductions were obtained in the right hippocampal-amygdaloid transition region (HATA) (p = 0.067). Neither genotype nor a genotype-drug interaction significantly affected the results (all p > 0.7). The study provides evidence that ketamine has short-term effects on hippocampal subfield volumes in humans. The results translate previous findings from animal models of depression showing that ketamine has pro-neuroplastic effects on hippocampal structures and underscore the importance of the hippocampus as a key region in ketamine's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Höflich
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Kraus
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Ruth M. Pfeiffer
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Biostatistics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Rene Seiger
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dan Rujescu
- grid.9018.00000 0001 0679 2801Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Carlos A. Zarate
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Winkler
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Yang PS, Peng HY, Lin TB, Hsieh MC, Lai CY, Lee AS, Wang HH, Ho YC. NMDA receptor partial agonist GLYX-13 alleviates chronic stress-induced depression-like behavior through enhancement of AMPA receptor function in the periaqueductal gray. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ketamine metabolites, clinical response, and gamma power in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial for treatment-resistant major depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:1398-1404. [PMID: 32252062 PMCID: PMC7297997 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0663-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A single, subanesthetic dose of (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) exerts rapid and robust antidepressant effects. Several groups previously reported that (2S,6S;2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) had antidepressant effects in rodents, and that (2R,6R)-HNK increased cortical electroencephalographic gamma power. This exploratory study examined the relationship between ketamine metabolites, clinical response, psychotomimetic symptoms, and gamma power changes in 34 individuals (ages 18-65) with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who received a single ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg) over 40 min. Plasma concentrations of ketamine, norketamine, and HNKs were measured at 40, 80, 120, and 230 min and at 1, 2, and 3 days post-infusion. Linear mixed models evaluated ketamine metabolites as mediators of antidepressant and psychotomimetic effects and their relationship to resting-state whole-brain magnetoencephalography (MEG) gamma power 6-9 h post-infusion. Three salient findings emerged. First, ketamine concentration positively predicted distal antidepressant response at Day 11 post-infusion, and an inverse relationship was observed between (2S,6S;2R,6R)-HNK concentration and antidepressant response at 3 and 7 days post-infusion. Norketamine concentration was not associated with antidepressant response. Second, ketamine, norketamine, and (2S,6S;2R,6R)-HNK concentrations at 40 min were positively associated with contemporaneous psychotomimetic symptoms; post-hoc analysis revealed that ketamine was the predominant contributor. Third, increased (2S,6S;2R,6R)-HNK maximum observed concentration (Cmax) was associated with increased MEG gamma power. While contrary to preclinical observations and our a priori hypotheses, these exploratory results replicate those of a recently published study documenting a relationship between higher (2S,6S;2R,6R)-HNK concentrations and weaker antidepressant response in humans and provide further rationale for studying gamma power changes as potential biomarkers of antidepressant response.
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Elmer GI, Tapocik JD, Mayo CL, Zanos P, Gould TD. Ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine reverses behavioral despair produced by adolescent trauma. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 196:172973. [PMID: 32569786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Early life trauma dramatically increases the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD), and is associated with a markedly decreased adult treatment response to antidepressants. Novel treatment approaches are required to treat childhood trauma-associated MDD. Recent studies suggest that the (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) metabolite, (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), exerts fast- and long-lasting antidepressant-like effects without ketamine's NMDAR-inhibition-associated adverse side-effect profile. We investigated the therapeutic potential of (2R,6R)-HNK against behavioral despair produced by a novel live-predator stress exposure during adolescence. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to a live snake or control conditions at post-natal (PND) days 31, 45 and 61. In order to assess the enduring consequences of trauma-exposure, at a minimum of 14 days following the last exposure, mice received inescapable shocks followed by a session with available escape options twenty-four hours later. Mice that manifested enduring escape deficits (helplessness) were treated with vehicle or (2R,6R)-HNK (20 mg/kg, i.p.), 24 h prior to retesting for reversal of escape deficits. We found that a significantly greater number of mice developed the helpless phenotype when they were exposed to the live predator and that the helpless phenotype was reversed in mice treated with (2R,6R)-HNK. There were no sex differences in the response to predator-stress exposure or (2R,6R)-HNK treatment. The live-predator model developed in this study provides an opportunity to further refine our understanding of the neurobiological substrates impacted by adolescent trauma and improve treatment strategies. The demonstrated efficacy of (2R,6R)-HNK in this model suggests a novel therapeutic intervention for a treatment-resistant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg I Elmer
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Jenica D Tapocik
- Clin. And Translational Studies, NIAAA, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Cheryl L Mayo
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Panos Zanos
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Todd D Gould
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Han FY, Liu Y, Kumar V, Xu W, Yang G, Zhao CX, Woodruff TM, Whittaker AK, Smith MT. Sustained-release ketamine-loaded nanoparticles fabricated by sequential nanoprecipitation. Int J Pharm 2020; 581:119291. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine: Focus on GABAergic inhibition. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2020; 89:43-78. [PMID: 32616214 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There has been much recent progress in understanding of the mechanism of ketamine's rapid and enduring antidepressant effects. Here we review recent insights from clinical and preclinical studies, with special emphasis of ketamine-induced changes in GABAergic synaptic transmission that are considered essential for its antidepressant therapeutic effects. Subanesthetic ketamine is now understood to exert its initial action by selectively blocking a subset of NMDA receptors on GABAergic interneurons, which results in disinhibition of glutamatergic target neurons, a surge in extracellular glutamate and correspondingly elevated glutamatergic synaptic transmission. This surge in glutamate appears to be corroborated by the rapid metabolism of ketamine into hydroxynorketamine, which acts at presynaptic sites to disinhibit the release of glutamate. Preclinical studies indicate that glutamate-induced activity triggers the release of BDNF, followed by transient activation of the mTOR pathway and increased expression of synaptic proteins, along with functional strengthening of glutamatergic synapses. This drug-on phase lasts for approximately 2h and is followed by a period of days characterized by structural maturation of newly formed glutamatergic synapses and prominently enhanced GABAergic synaptic inhibition. Evidence from mouse models with constitutive antidepressant-like phenotypes suggests that this phase involves strengthened inhibition of dendrites by somatostatin-positive GABAergic interneurons and correspondingly reduced NMDA receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry into dendrites, which activates an intracellular signaling cascade that converges with the mTOR pathway onto increased activity of the eukaryotic elongation factor eEF2 and enhanced translation of dendritic mRNAs. Newly synthesized proteins such as BDNF may be important for the prolonged therapeutic effects of ketamine.
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Translational Studies in the Complex Role of Neurotransmitter Systems in Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1191:121-140. [PMID: 32002926 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of innovative anxiolytics is severely hampering. Existing anxiolytics are developed decades ago and are still the therapeutics of choice. Moreover, lack of new drug targets forecasts a severe jeopardy in the future treatment of the huge population of CNS-diseased patients. We simply lack the knowledge on what is wrong in brains of anxious people (normal and diseased). Translational research, based on interacting clinical and preclinical research, is extremely urgent. In this endeavor, genetic and genomic approaches are part of the spectrum of contributing factors. We focus on three druggable targets: serotonin transporter, 5-HT1A, and GABAA receptors. It is still uncertain whether and how these targets are involved in normal and diseased anxiety processes. For serotonergic anxiolytics, the slow onset of action points to indirect effects leading to plasticity changes in brain systems leading to reduced anxiety. For GABAA benzodiazepine drugs, acute anxiolytic effects are found indicating primary mechanisms directly influencing anxiety processes. Close translational collaboration between fundamental academic and discovery research will lead to badly needed breakthroughs in the search for new anxiolytics.
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Hashimoto K. Rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine, its metabolites and other candidates: A historical overview and future perspective. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:613-627. [PMID: 31215725 PMCID: PMC6851782 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most disabling psychiatric disorders. Approximately one-third of the patients with MDD are treatment resistant to the current antidepressants. There is also a significant therapeutic time lag of weeks to months. Furthermore, depression in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) is typically poorly responsive to antidepressants. Therefore, there exists an unmet medical need for rapidly acting antidepressants with beneficial effects in treatment-resistant patients with MDD or BD. Accumulating evidence suggests that the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine produces rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant patients with MDD or BD. Ketamine is a racemic mixture comprising equal parts of (R)-ketamine (or arketamine) and (S)-ketamine (or esketamine). Because (S)-ketamine has higher affinity for NMDAR than (R)-ketamine, esketamine was developed as an antidepressant. On 5 March 2019, esketamine nasal spray was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, preclinical data suggest that (R)-ketamine exerts greater potency and longer-lasting antidepressant effects than (S)-ketamine in animal models of depression and that (R)-ketamine has less detrimental side-effects than (R,S)-ketamine or (S)-ketamine. In this article, the author reviews the historical overview of the antidepressant actions of enantiomers of ketamine and its major metabolites norketamine and hydroxynorketamine. Furthermore, the author discusses the other potential rapid-acting antidepressant candidates (i.e., NMDAR antagonists and modulators, low-voltage-sensitive T-type calcium channel inhibitor, potassium channel Kir4.1 inhibitor, negative modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid, and type A [GABAA ] receptors) to compare them with ketamine. Moreover, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ketamine's antidepressant effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba, Japan
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Hillhouse TM, Rice R, Porter JH. What role does the (2R,6R)-hydronorketamine metabolite play in the antidepressant-like and abuse-related effects of (R)-ketamine? Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:3886-3888. [PMID: 31288299 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Hillhouse
- Department of Psychology, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, USA
| | - Remington Rice
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Joseph H Porter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Zanos P, Highland JN, Liu X, Troppoli TA, Georgiou P, Lovett J, Morris PJ, Stewart BW, Thomas CJ, Thompson SM, Moaddel R, Gould TD. (R)-Ketamine exerts antidepressant actions partly via conversion to (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine, while causing adverse effects at sub-anaesthetic doses. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:2573-2592. [PMID: 30941749 PMCID: PMC8567221 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE (R)-Ketamine (arketamine) may have utility as a rapidly acting antidepressant. While (R)-ketamine has lower potency than (R,S)-ketamine to inhibit NMDA receptors in vitro, the extent to which (R)-ketamine shares the NMDA receptor-mediated adverse effects of (R,S)-ketamine in vivo has not been fully characterised. Furthermore, (R)-ketamine is metabolised to (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK), which may contribute to its antidepressant-relevant actions. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Using mice, we compared (R)-ketamine with a deuterated form of the drug (6,6-dideutero-(R)-ketamine, (R)-d2 -ketamine), which hinders its metabolism to (2R,6R)-HNK, in behavioural tests predicting antidepressant responses. We also examined the actions of intracerebroventricularly infused (2R,6R)-HNK. Further, we quantified putative NMDA receptor inhibition-mediated adverse effects of (R)-ketamine. KEY RESULTS (R)-d2 -Ketamine was identical to (R)-ketamine in binding to and functionally inhibiting NMDA receptors but hindered (R)-ketamine's metabolism to (2R,6R)-HNK. (R)-Ketamine exerted greater potency than (R)-d2 -ketamine in several antidepressant-sensitive behavioural measures, consistent with a role of (2R,6R)-HNK in the actions of (R)-ketamine. There were dose-dependent sustained antidepressant-relevant actions of (2R,6R)-HNK following intracerebroventricular administration. (R)-Ketamine exerted NMDA receptor inhibition-mediated behaviours similar to (R,S)-ketamine, including locomotor stimulation, conditioned-place preference, prepulse inhibition deficits, and motor incoordination, with approximately half the potency of the racemic drug. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Metabolism of (R)-ketamine to (2R,6R)-HNK increases the potency of (R)-ketamine to exert antidepressant-relevant actions in mice. Adverse effects of (R)-ketamine require higher doses than those necessary for antidepressant-sensitive behavioural changes in mice. However, our data revealing that (R)-ketamine's adverse effects are elicited at sub-anaesthetic doses indicate a potential risk for sensory dissociation and abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos Zanos
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Jaclyn N. Highland
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Program in ToxicologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Timothy A. Troppoli
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Jacqueline Lovett
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Patrick J. Morris
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational SciencesNational Institutes of HealthRockvilleMDUSA
| | - Brent W. Stewart
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Craig J. Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational SciencesNational Institutes of HealthRockvilleMDUSA
| | - Scott M. Thompson
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Ruin Moaddel
- Biomedical Research Center, National Institute on AgingNational Institutes of HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Todd D. Gould
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Department of Anatomy and NeurobiologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care SystemBaltimoreMDUSA
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( 2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine exerts mGlu 2 receptor-dependent antidepressant actions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:6441-6450. [PMID: 30867285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1819540116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently approved antidepressant drugs often take months to take full effect, and ∼30% of depressed patients remain treatment resistant. In contrast, ketamine, when administered as a single subanesthetic dose, exerts rapid and sustained antidepressant actions. Preclinical studies indicate that the ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine [(2R,6R)-HNK] is a rapid-acting antidepressant drug candidate with limited dissociation properties and abuse potential. We assessed the role of group II metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes 2 (mGlu2) and 3 (mGlu3) in the antidepressant-relevant actions of (2R,6R)-HNK using behavioral, genetic, and pharmacological approaches as well as cortical quantitative EEG (qEEG) measurements in mice. Both ketamine and (2R,6R)-HNK prevented mGlu2/3 receptor agonist (LY379268)-induced body temperature increases in mice lacking the Grm3, but not Grm2, gene. This action was not replicated by NMDA receptor antagonists or a chemical variant of ketamine that limits metabolism to (2R,6R)-HNK. The antidepressant-relevant behavioral effects and 30- to 80-Hz qEEG oscillation (gamma-range) increases resultant from (2R,6R)-HNK administration were prevented by pretreatment with an mGlu2/3 receptor agonist and absent in mice lacking the Grm2, but not Grm3 -/-, gene. Combined subeffective doses of the mGlu2/3 receptor antagonist LY341495 and (2R,6R)-HNK exerted synergistic increases on gamma oscillations and antidepressant-relevant behavioral actions. These findings highlight that (2R,6R)-HNK exerts antidepressant-relevant actions via a mechanism converging with mGlu2 receptor signaling and suggest enhanced cortical gamma oscillations as a marker of target engagement relevant to antidepressant efficacy. Moreover, these results support the use of (2R,6R)-HNK and inhibitors of mGlu2 receptor function in clinical trials for treatment-resistant depression either alone or in combination.
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Antidepressant-relevant concentrations of the ketamine metabolite (2 R,6 R)-hydroxynorketamine do not block NMDA receptor function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:5160-5169. [PMID: 30796190 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816071116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies indicate that (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) is a putative fast-acting antidepressant candidate. Although inhibition of NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) is one mechanism proposed to underlie ketamine's antidepressant and adverse effects, the potency of (2R,6R)-HNK to inhibit NMDARs has not been established. We used a multidisciplinary approach to determine the effects of (2R,6R)-HNK on NMDAR function. Antidepressant-relevant behavioral responses and (2R,6R)-HNK levels in the extracellular compartment of the hippocampus were measured following systemic (2R,6R)-HNK administration in mice. The effects of ketamine, (2R,6R)-HNK, and, in some cases, the (2S,6S)-HNK stereoisomer were evaluated on the following: (i) NMDA-induced lethality in mice, (ii) NMDAR-mediated field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in the CA1 field of mouse hippocampal slices, (iii) NMDAR-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and NMDA-evoked currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons of rat hippocampal slices, and (iv) recombinant NMDARs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. While a single i.p. injection of 10 mg/kg (2R,6R)-HNK exerted antidepressant-related behavioral and cellular responses in mice, the ED50 of (2R,6R)-HNK to prevent NMDA-induced lethality was found to be 228 mg/kg, compared with 6.4 mg/kg for ketamine. The 10 mg/kg (2R,6R)-HNK dose generated maximal hippocampal extracellular concentrations of ∼8 µM, which were well below concentrations required to inhibit synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs in vitro. (2S,6S)-HNK was more potent than (2R,6R)-HNK, but less potent than ketamine at inhibiting NMDARs. These data demonstrate the stereoselectivity of NMDAR inhibition by (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK and support the conclusion that direct NMDAR inhibition does not contribute to antidepressant-relevant effects of (2R,6R)-HNK.
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