Adenosine signaling as a key point in how antidepressants work

Adenosine signaling is identified as the convergent mechanism underlying the rapid antidepressant effects of both ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy.

• This finding addresses a longstanding question regarding how these treatments produce quick effects.
• The study suggests that targeting adenosine signaling may lead to new antidepressant therapies.
• Potential new therapeutic options could include novel ketamine derivatives and nonpharmacological interventions.

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