QBI Neuroscience Seminar: 'Insulin Signalling Moderates the Rapid Antidepressant Actions of Ketamine in Treatment Resistant Depression'

Event Details

Date:

Wednesday, 24 October 2018 - Wednesday, 24 October 2018

Time:

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Room:

QBI Level 7 Auditorium

UQ Location:

Queensland Brain Institute (St Lucia)

URL:

http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/neuroscience-seminars

Event category(s):

Full Description:: Dr Susannah Tye, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland

Title: 'Insulin Signalling Moderates the Rapid Antidepressant Actions of Ketamine in Treatment Resistant Depression'

Abstract: Low-dose ketamine is effective in a subset of patients with treatment-resistant depression. The mechanisms of action through which ketamine elicits its rapid antidepressant response are, however, not well understood. Using an animal model of antidepressant-resistance we have identified an association between brain insulin signalling and antidepressant-like behavioural responses to ketamine in the forced swim test. Our work has explored the association between insulin signalling in brain and blood tissue, and ketamine’s therapeutic actions in antidepressant-resistant rats. We have validated the association between insulin signalling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and clinical response to ketamine in patients with treatment resistant depression. We have further shown in rats that targeting this mechanism can improve response rates. Our data suggests the direct effects of ketamine on insulin signalling serves as critical co-regulator of antidepressant response in individuals with treatment resistant depression.