Ketamine Treatment Effects on Synaptic Plasticity in Depression
Single-group, Phase IV study (n=9) of four 0.5 mg/kg IV ketamine infusions over two weeks in adults with current MDD to measure synaptic density changes using [11C]UCB-J PET.
Details
This study evaluates ketamine's effects on synaptic density in adults with current major depressive disorder using [11C]UCB-J PET before and after a course of four subanesthetic IV ketamine infusions (0.5 mg/kg each) administered over two weeks.
Primary aims are to quantify changes in synaptic density following ketamine treatment and to explore synaptic density as a mediator and predictor of sustained antidepressant response; participants undergo inpatient admission for imaging and treatment at NYSPI.
Outcomes include PET measures of SV2A binding, clinical depression ratings (HAM-D), and safety/tolerability assessments; imaging uses [11C]UCB-J with robust test-retest reliability to detect longitudinal changes.