Acute ketamine connectivity changes in patients with major depression

Motivation: The exact mechanism of action of the rapid acting acting antidepressant ketamine is unknown. Goal(s): Investigation of the functional connectivity changes after acute ketamine in relation to receptor density. Approach: In a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial an infusion of ketamine or placebo was administered during resting state fMRI at 3T and functional connectivity was compared to receptor density maps. Results: The functional connectivity changes found correlate well with several receptors known to be involved with depression. Impact: This approach could be used to evaluate the effects of novel therapeutics in the brain.