2010 · Mechanism
Li et al. 2010 - synaptogenesis mechanism
mTOR-dependent synapse formation underlies the rapid antidepressant effects of NMDA antagonists
Medically reviewed by: Pending medical review(draft)Last updated: June 4, 2026Evidence: Li N et al.. Science, 2010.
Population
Rodent models
Intervention
Ketamine administration
Comparator
Vehicle, mTOR inhibitors
Primary outcome
Synaptic protein expression, dendritic spine density, behavior
Key findings
- Ketamine rapidly increases synaptic proteins in prefrontal cortex
- Effect requires mTOR signaling
- Provides cellular framework for rapid antidepressant action
Limitations
- Rodent model
- Acute, not chronic, observation
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